Civil Legal Needs Assessment
The Connecticut Bar Foundation (CBF) has released two new reports that assess the state’s civil legal aid system and demonstrate the economic value of investing in legal services for low-income residents.
The Civil Legal Needs Assessment, prepared by CTData Collaborative, highlights the strengths of the existing network of service providers but also identifies unmet needs and offers recommendations that funders, legislators, legal service providers, and others can take to proactively address gaps in the system.
The Economic Impact Report, prepared by Downstream Strategies, quantifies the direct financial benefits people receive when they can solve their legal problems and how that contributes to a stronger economy. Analysis shows that every dollar of public funding for legal aid generates approximately $2.90 in economic activity, saving the state money and stabilizing communities.
“Our system does incredible work, but demand far exceeds capacity,” said Angela Schlingheyde, Executive Director of CBF. “Investing in legal aid isn’t just a social good—it’s an economic engine that benefits everyone in Connecticut.”
Recommendations include expanding capacity for legal aid hotlines, leveraging technology, increasing resources, engaging community justice workers and social workers, boosting pro bono efforts, and improving retention among legal aid staff.
“This is a moment to think innovatively and collaboratively,” added Schlingheyde. “We must understand how the system works today to better serve our communities tomorrow.”
To read the reports, visit: https://ctbarfdn.org/ctlegalneeds
