Aim
This frame of legal clinic has been setup as a working and operational guideline for members of the Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (Singapore) and their clients. It is meant to provide pro bono legal consultation for a specific issue and within a limited time frame. Further than those seeking service beyond those provided by this legal clinic shall need to negotiate the relevant legal fees and cost with the provider of the legal clinic.
Clients
This legal clinic shall provide service to the following only:
I. Members of good standing belonging to APACS.
II. Clients of members of APACS who cannot afford getting legal service (this is to be verified by the attending counsellor/ therapist and referral made. A mean test will be used for the purpose of determining whether or not the client merits the pro bono service). Referring counsellor/therapists needs to fulfil (|) and (||).
Consultation
I. Consultation shall be for a specific issue; non-general issues.
II. The number of pro bono consultation shall be for a single session only lasting not more than 60 minutes.
III. Thereafter the client shall negotiate with the legal service provider for extension of service that can include fees chargeable etc.
IV. Counsellor/ therapist issues shall not be included in this service as all counselling/ therapist clinicians may use their clinical supervisors for this purpose (issues relating to transferences, counter transferences, counsellor’s emotional issues, counsellors private issues).
Procedures
Members who wish to consult the legal clinic shall need to email to secretariat@apacs.org.sg and copy to APACS Hon. Treasurer providing the following details:
I. Name & Membership number
II. Brief issue (e.g. need to clarify housing rules concerning rental, client seeking separation from spouse-legal implications, etc.).
III. Session will only proceed after Hon. Treasurer ascertains that the member is of good standing. Verification shall be done within one week from the date of the email; Hon. Treasurer will email the legal clinic service provider of the clearance.
Counsellor/ Therapist’s Clients
I. Upon clearance, the legal clinic service provider shall then send the counsellor/ therapist a “mean test” form to the referred client to ascertain that the client is from a low-economic group. This is to avoid clients who can financially afford engaging normal legal advisors taking advantage of the system.
II. Upon ascertain confirmation, the legal clinic provider shall contact the counsellor/ therapist and proceed thereafter to make the necessary appointment.
Exclusion & Indemnity
The Association acts in good faith only as a referral centre for providing pro bono legal referral services for the benefits of APACS counsellors/ therapists and their deserving clients; the association cannot be liable or held responsible for any adverse effects/ outcomes that befall to the counsellor/ therapists or their clients.
Request for Assistance
- Mr James Chong (Hon Treasurer APACS) secretariat@apacs.org.sg
- Ms Foo Siew Fong (Legal Adviser APACS) siewfong@harryelias.com.sg
In your request please state your name and membership number.