As a caregiver, you may find yourself in need of legal services to help you navigate the complexities of providing care for an elderly family member or neighbor. Fortunately, Orange County offers a variety of resources to help caregivers access the legal advice and representation they need. The Center for Elder Law & Justice is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services in eight western New York counties. Additionally, the Caregiver Resource Center and Orange County Caregiver Support Group (OC CARES) offer support and resources to caregivers.
In this article, we'll explore the legal services available to caregivers in Orange County. The legal defense program in Orange County provides elderly residents with free advice, referrals, and representation in civil and administrative cases. To find the local AAA, select your county on the 'Find Services in My County' page on their website. In some counties, county court clinics, the local bar association, a legal services organization, or the court itself can help with petitions for guardianship and custody. The Center for Elder Law & Justice works closely with other county and nonprofit agencies to make the service network more accessible and responsive to caregivers. The Caregiver Resource Center is a “one-stop service point” that addresses the problems that caregivers face by providing information, training, and support.
Caregivers can access educational books, audio-visual materials, periodicals, and other types of literature related to providing care. The Orange County Caregiver Support Group (OC CARES) offers individualized and community support to caregivers. Caregiver Tips for Caregivers (PDF) is a publication containing the ten best tips experienced caregivers would give to new caregivers. It is intended to be an accessible document with quick conclusions for anyone who may be in a caregiver position. Make Orange County a safe, healthy, and satisfying place to live, work and play, today and for generations to come, by providing outstanding and cost-effective regional public services. The Center also represents caregivers in family courts and administrative proceedings aimed at preventing a child from entering the traditional foster care system.
Every year, Mobilization for Justice helps provide legal stability to hundreds of families through representation in custody, guardianship and adoption matters, access to public benefits, and special immigrant juvenile status cases. The Center has a list of additional support groups for caregivers available at various locations in Orange County. These groups provide an invaluable resource for caregivers who are looking for advice or support from others who have been in similar situations. The Center is dedicated to helping county caregivers provide better care to their elderly neighbors and family members who are often confined to their homes.
