ABSTRACT

We present a case study ofspecialist welfare advice and advocacy for people experiencingmultiple disadvantage (i.e. a combination of homelessness, contactwith the criminal justice system, substance misuse, mental illhealth). Drawing primarily on qualitative interviews with staff andstakeholders, we demonstrate the need for, and success of, specialistbenefits advice for this customer group. Substantial financial gainswere awarded, providing a greater level of security and stability,which increased customers’ housing options. We highlight a need forgreater recognition across organisations that work with customersexperiencing multiple disadvantage, that welfare benefits are a legalentitlement. Implications for policy and practice are discussed,including the importance of: developing confidence and a ‘lawinformed’ mindset in frontline staff; advisors buildingrelationships with staff to achieve this; preparatory work withpartner organisations to develop a shared understanding of what isinvolved and expectations. Ultimately, a culture of legal literacymust be cultivated at the individual (frontline staff) andorganisational (partner host) levels. Stakeholders had concerns aboutthe future of such initiatives in the context of further fundingcuts; there is a risk that legal literacy development programmesbecome marginalised at a time when they are most needed.

摘要

我们提出了一个案例研究，为经历多种不利条件（即无家可归、与刑事司法系统接触、药物滥用、精神疾病的组合）的人们提供专家福利建议和宣传。主要通过与员工和利益相关者的定性访谈，我们证明了该客户群需要专家福利建议，并且成功了。获得了可观的财务收益，提供了更高水平的安全性和稳定性，从而增加了客户的住房选择。我们强调需要在与遭受多重不利影响的客户打交道的组织中提高认识，即福利是一项法定权利。讨论了对政策和实践的影响，包括以下方面的重要性： 培养一线员工​​的信心和“了解法律”的心态；顾问与员工建立关系以实现这一目标；与合作伙伴组织的准备工作，以形成对所涉及的内容和期望的共同理解。最终，必须在个人（一线员工）和组织（合作伙伴）层面培养法律素养文化。在进一步削减资金的背景下，利益相关者对此类举措的未来表示担忧；法律扫盲发展方案有可能在最需要的时候被边缘化。在进一步削减资金的背景下，利益相关者对此类举措的未来表示担忧；法律扫盲发展方案有可能在最需要的时候被边缘化。在进一步削减资金的背景下，利益相关者对此类举措的未来表示担忧；法律扫盲发展方案有可能在最需要的时候被边缘化。