With the support of generous community donors, Gosnells Community Legal Centre (GCLC) is set to expand its Child Support law services, which have been offered for free at its Gosnells Centre since 1991.
GCLC is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation that aims to promote fundamental human rights, including housing, income, equality, freedom, and dignity, through various support services that address legal, economic, and social issues.
Earlier this year, Impact 100 WA, a group that connects donors interested in supporting community causes, called for submissions for outstanding community initiatives.
After Gosnells CLC applied for a grant to expand their Child Support Law Program, they were announced as a finalist in September. During a ‘Shark Tank’-style event at Impact 100’s annual ‘Pitch Night’ last month, alongside ADHD WA, Lionheart Camp for Kids, Orana House, and Cinefest Oz, they were selected to receive a $100,000 grant from the pool of donors.
Launched by Linda Saverimutto, the centre’s principal solicitor at the time, the child support program was created to support women facing financial barriers when leaving situations of family violence.
By having a lawyer outline the potential child support they could expect, GCLC said many women gained the confidence needed to make the decision to leave.
As the only centre in WA with a free child support lawyer providing these services, Gosnells CLC said that demand has grown significantly, with hundreds of clients each year. However, this has resulted in appointment wait times exceeding a month or leaving some clients unable to access support altogether.
Sarah Patterson, CEO of Gosnells CLC, said the funding will double their Child Support Law program, ensuring vulnerable single parents can access support, and believes that a person’s financial situation should not determine their access to support.
“Currently, there is $2 billion in unpaid child support Australia-wide. A number that is so significant that if every dollar owed were actually paid, 21 per cent of children living in poverty in Australia would no longer [be in that situation]. That is why we do this work. That is why this is so important to us,” Ms Patterson said.
“People’s income should not determine their outcome. Justice should be available for everyone regardless of whether or not they can afford a Lawyer.”
