Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit (CAAFLU)

CAAFLU provides culturally appropriate legal and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic and family violence or sexual assault.

• legal advice and representation
• advocacy
• information
• referrals
• support

CAAFLU’s Legal Services

Family violence and Sexual Assault

• Advice and court representation with domestic violence order (DVO) applications including variations and extensions
• Assist victims in talking with police and understanding the court process
• Assist victims in monitoring offender’s criminal proceedings and DVO breaches
• Victims register applications

Victims of Crime Compensation

• Applications including increase and review applications for compensation

Child Protection

• Advice and legal representation to parents and/or extended family about their rights in relation to children
• Care plan meetings
• Negotiate with Territory Families in relation to contact
• Family placement, kinship carers and reunification

Family law/Parenting Matters (only where family violence exists)

• Representation and advice on parents and family rights in relation to children
• Court representation
• Representation at mediation and referrals

CAAFLU’s Support Services

General Client Support

• Client referrals to and support in accessing other services including medical, counselling, accommodation, financial and other relevant services
• Crisis intervention including liaison with police, medical, accommodation and financial services
• Safety planning
• Arrange and prioritize the use of interpreters
• Cultural advising/brokering
• Housing support though assisting with priority housing applications, support letters and gathering supporting documentation
• Providing information to other local services about legal issues related to family violence and sexual assault

Community Legal Education

CAAFLU develops and delivers community legal education to government agencies, non-government organisations, schools and other community stakeholders.

Policy and Law Reform

CAAFLU contributes to relevant policy and law reform initiatives on both a state and federal level.

Organising and Engaging in Events both locally and nationally to raise awareness about family violence and to promote change in our community