Idaho Legal Aid Notice of Service Reduction

Notice of Idaho Legal Aid reduction of services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Boise, Idaho - September 23, 2013

Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) is the primary provider of civil legal services to low income victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Idaho. This practice has been underwritten by a Department of Justice grant obtained by the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence in partnership with the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program and ILAS. We have been informed the grant has not been re-funded and will end on September 30, 2013.

ILAS's two other grants used to serve victims of domestic violence have also been reduced. Its Idaho Law Foundation Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) grant has declined from a high of more than $190,000 in 2008 to $71,000 in 2013, with another cut anticipated in 2014. ILAS's grant from the Legal Services Corporation, its biggest funder, declined $252,832 from 2010 to 2013.

The organization sought to delay the effects of these cuts on domestic violence victims by using its financial reserves, moving staff to part time and instituting one unpaid furlough day per month. Unfortunately, those are insufficient to offset the combined funding reductions.

Based on these developments ILAS regrets to inform our partners, the courts, private bar and referral organizations that the program will be required reduce its representation of low income victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking across Idaho. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the program adjusts to current funding realities.

Information about Idaho Legal Aid Services, as well as helpful legal information, can be found at www.idaholegalaid.org.

Jim Cook
Executive Director