When clients have the resources to accomplish necessary tasks, all parties benefit. Judges can make better decisions, and cases are resolved more expeditiously and fairly.
—Judge Margaret S. Fearey
Meaningful access to justice requires meaningful access to resources.
One Can Help is a small nonprofit, but we are in a unique position to be able to help.
More than 80% of children and families in the juvenile court and child welfare systems live in poverty.
Not being able to fix problems often results in unsatisfactory and inequitable outcomes: more truancy, more fostercare, more family break ups, more criminal records.
This is not just a Massachusetts problem, this is a systemic problem.
By quickly providing targetted individualized assistance, we not only give our underserved children and families the resources they need- and deserve- to succeed, we also help our juvenile court and child welfare systems be more supportive, effective and equitable for all.
When clients have stable homes, necessary transportation, school support or the basics of daily living, the results can be dramatic. The individual, the court system and society as a whole benefit. Here’s how:
- Less recidivism
- Shorter court cases
- Fewer no-shows for court dates or social service appointments
- Improved chance of follow-through for counseling, substance abuse programs or parenting classes
- Increased odds of success for family reunification
- Reduced rate of truancy and other school problems
- Higher probability of completing high school, GED or job training program
- Improved odds for finding employment and getting off welfare
- More effective and efficient use of tax dollars for court professionals’ time
- Morale boost for court professionals, who now can help their clients accomplish real change