Family Initiatives: Clubhouse Family
Legal Support Project

Custody loss and family disruption are devastating and all too common experiences for parents recovering from mental illness. Recognition of parenting as a central role for adults with mental illness is paralleled by the recognition of their complex and varied legal needs, needs that parents and human service professionals are often unable to understand or address. The Clubhouse Family Legal Support Project (CFLSP) was established at Employment Options in 1999 to meet this gap in services for parents and families. CFLSP, a statewide project, reflects a creative partnership between Employment Options, and Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee,and is jointly funded by public (Department of Mental Health), and private (Massachusetts Bar Foundation and the Boston Bar Foundation) dollars.

Legal Consultation – CFLSP attorneys meet with parents at the Clubhouse to provide legal information, advice and guidance in family law and child welfare matters.

Legal Representation – CFLSP attorneys represent parents in family court proceedings involving custody and visitation disputes, and in some limited Department of Social Services involved matters.

Training and Education – CFLSP attorneys provide formal and informal training sessions regarding family law for Clubhouse parents and staff, as well as service providers, clinicians, other attorneys and judges.

Liaison and Advocacy – CFLSP attorneys provide consultation for other involved attorneys on mental health issues and service coordination for parents recovering from mental illness.
 
If you are a member or a staff person of an area clubhouse and would like assistance with a family law matter, please contact the Project staff during our intake hours at:

Internship Opportunities

CFLSP is looking for dedicated interns. Interns will work under the supervision of the CFLSP attorneys to assist in advocating for parents in family law matters. Interns will have an opportunity to manage cases and participate in the following activities: outreach at clubhouses, direct client intake on various family matters, interviews with parents and case collaterals, legal research, drafting various court documents, and shadowing the CFLSP attorney at court hearings. To learn more about and internship with the Project, please email knemens@mhlac.org or call 617-338-2345.

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