We are deeply saddened by the poverty we witness in the courts in Devon and Cornwall. It is often the underlying reason for people attending court and coming through our door.
Challenge Poverty Week
Each day, our team of staff and volunteers works with our partners to guide people towards more stable lives. As a result, we’re supporting the Cornwall Independent Poverty Forum with their campaign to raise awareness of poverty across the region. This is part of a national campaign in England and Wales.
Poverty through the lens of local courts
People are caught up in the system, unable to get help. They can’t see a way out. Things escalate and become complicated. Furthermore, by the time they realise how bad it’s become, they’re at court, in front of the bench, at risk of losing everything.
CASS+ steps in
This is where CASS+ steps in, to help with the underlying reasons for people being at court. It often boils down to the need for food, a home and employment. Isolation, loneliness and depression are at an all-time low.
The people we serve
As part of the campaign Challenge Poverty, we want to share some of the situations people face at court:
Poverty
A young homeless couple have had their tent (their home) slashed and, out of desperation, stolen food. Now in court for theft, they need access to supplies and accommodation. We put them in touch with housing and local food banks.
Health
Next, a man with a painful tooth abscess needs emergency dental care, phone credit and bus money for the appointment. The Smile dentist has resolved the situation.
Homelessness
Then, an 18-year-old has been removed from the family home after a bust-up. Released from custody with nowhere to live, he is now linked with a pilot housing scheme.
Debt
Later, a man attends court for a hearing about his non-payment of fines. He is struggling financially and has little disposable income. His home is three bus rides away from the court and the bus fare has eaten into his meagre family budget. We enabled him to put together a payment plan to manage his finances.
Lone parents
Finally, a father unable to access Legal Aid or afford a solicitor, represents himself in the family court and struggles to understand what’s happening. We helped him with the forms and guided him through this unfamiliar, stress-inducing situation.
Connector
We are the connector and lynchpin in a huge chain, getting people the help they need and working hard to reduce demand on the Justice System and other services. Our team of staff and volunteers work alongside magistrates, solicitors, probation, police, district judges, the Crown Prosecution Service, ushers, court cells, social services, the statutory and voluntary sector, charities and other agencies across Devon and Cornwall to divert away from crime, reduce the risk of re-offending and guide people towards more stable lives.
Get in touch
We are inside the courts in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro. Please get in touch with your local hub if you need this kind of support through court in Devon or Cornwall.