The Toledo Medical Legal Partnership for Children (MLPC) is a unique program in which doctors and lawyers work together to provide legal services to pediatric patients and their families on a broad range of issues that affect child health and wellbeing. Patients served by the MLPC are the most vulnerable in our community – children living in poverty. Pediatricians recognize that the health status of their small patients is often negatively affected by social and environmental conditions that cannot be remedied through medical care alone. The establishment of the MLPC has allowed medical personnel to witness firsthand the benefits that onsite legal assistance can provide to patients. More information after the story...
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Legal Aid attorney helps Melissa*
change her son's future.
Melissa was referred to the MLPC for assistance with getting her son Richie back in school. Richie has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis. At the time of referral, Richie had been out of school for weeks because he was no longer able to climb the three flights of stairs necessary to reach his classroom. Melissa's MLPC attorney obtained documentation regarding necessary accommodations for Richie from his doctors and advocated for proper accommodations and services at an Individualized Education Plan meeting. As a result, Richie was placed at an accessible school and is now receiving physical therapy and accommodations, including home schooling when he is physically unable to attend school. (*not her real name) |  |
| By providing access to legal services through a trusted environment, such as a medical clinic, the MLPC reaches families who often do not realize they have legal rights or know how to access an attorney. Approximately 75 percent of MLPC clients have never before requested services from legal aid. The MLPC is a collaborative partnership among Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), Mercy Children’s Hospital and Mercy Family Care Center, and University Pediatrics at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
The MLPC's mission is to: 1. To provide training, consultation, resources, and education for medical and mental health providers;
2. To provide free onsite legal assistance to children and families in need; and 3. To engage in systemic advocacy to improve the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Toledo community.
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| BROCHURE
The MLPC is a collaborative partnership among Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), Mercy Children’s Hospital and Mercy Family Care Center, and University Pediatrics at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Since its inception in 2007, the MLPC has received over 800 referrals for 600 families, provided consultation and advice to patients and physicians, and opened 283 cases for representation.
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