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Q&A
Discussion on appointment systems and legal representation capacity
5:30:18
·
51 sec
Council Member Avilés and Margaret Martin discuss the effectiveness of appointment systems for immigrant services and the challenges faced due to limited capacity.
- Avilés questions whether removing the appointment option was an improvement
- Martin emphasizes that the main issue is the lack of capacity for legal representation
- The discussion highlights the need for increased funding for legal services
Alexa Avilés
5:30:18
Do you think that that's a model improvement, the appointment option?
5:30:29
That feels like a trap question for you.
Margaret Martin
5:30:31
Not really, but it brings me back to I think a point that, well, you and so many people have talked about today, which is part of the problem with referrals or appointments is there aren't enough of either.
5:30:44
There isn't the capacity, and you've raised today and previously the need for legal representation and to really fund legal representation.
5:30:52
And I think that ties into what the hotline can do.
5:30:59
So I think without increased legal representation, being able to make appointments isn't a reality right now, at least for most callers.