Legal Aid Board Boss Excel in Washington DC

Key Innovations Highlighted

Child Maintenance Accounts and WhatsApp Technology: Ms. Carlton-Hanciles highlighted two major innovations:

1. Child Maintenance Accounts:
   • The introduction of Child Maintenance Accounts has been pivotal in improving compliance with child support obligations. These accounts ensure that funds for child upkeep, education, medical care, and accommodation are systematically managed and utilized. The opening of a bank outlet at the LAB’s headquarters in Freetown has facilitated this process, leading to better support for impoverished children.
2. Use of WhatsApp Technology:
   • WhatsApp technology has been effectively used to enhance information sharing and supervision of paralegals. This tool has enabled timely responses to the justice needs of indigent persons, including those under police investigations, thereby improving the efficiency and reach of legal aid services.

Collaboration and Pro Bono Legal Services

Collaboration with the Sierra Leone Bar Association: Ms. Carlton-Hanciles underscored the LAB’s collaboration with the Sierra Leone Bar Association to provide additional lawyers for indigent clients. During Judicial Week and Special Criminal Sessions, pro bono lawyers assist LAB lawyers in managing the high volume of cases. Some indigent clients are also referred to the Board’s Pro Bono Lawyers for legal representation at a minimal fee negotiated by the LAB.

Focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Improving Lives of Women and Children: Drawing on her experience as Principal Defender at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Ms. Carlton-Hanciles has applied her expertise to enhance the LAB’s operations. The Board’s efforts in promoting ADR have significantly benefited women and children, providing a cost-effective and efficient means of resolving disputes without resorting to lengthy court procedures.

International Recognition by ODI

Study by the International Development Institute (ODI): A recent study titled “Cost-Effective Front-Line Justice Services in Sierra Leone: A Case Study in Frugal Innovation and Domestic Resourcing” by the International Development Institute (ODI) highlighted the LAB as the most cost-effective provider of legal services among low-income countries. The study praised the innovative measures taken by the LAB to deliver legal aid at a low cost, emphasizing the role of frugal innovation and strategic domestic resourcing.

Key Findings:

1. Cost-Effectiveness:
   • The LAB has been identified as a rare example of a low-income country where the government funds comprehensive front-line legal advice, assistance, and representation for both civil and criminal matters. The scale of the LAB’s operations has driven down unit costs, creating a virtuous cycle where reduced costs enable further expansion. In 2023, the average cost per case was $11, well below ODI’s benchmark of $20 per case for low-income countries.
2. Government Funding:
   • Government funding has been crucial in enabling the LAB’s nationwide scale-up. From 2021 to 2023, the Sierra Leone government provided 78% of the Board’s funding. This consistent support has allowed the LAB to expand its services and reach more people.
3. Impact:
   • Since its launch in 2015, the LAB has established offices across the country and assisted 160,000 people in 2023, with two-thirds being women and girls. The study estimated the benefit-cost ratio for child maintenance cases at 50:1, comparable to some of the most cost-effective health sector interventions globally.

Challenges and Recommendations

Challenges: Despite its successes, the LAB faces several challenges:

• Insufficient Paralegals: The Board currently has less than half the number of paralegals needed to reach the most vulnerable communities.
• Limited Funding: There is limited scope for increased government funding, as Sierra Leone already allocates a significant portion of its budget to justice and legal aid. The withdrawal of bilateral donor funding upon the LAB’s launch has further constrained resources.
• Lack of Independent Evaluation: The absence of a justice sector research budget in Sierra Leone and limited donor engagement have hindered independent, in-depth evaluation of the Board’s performance.

Recommendations: The study calls for rigorous research to assess the impact of the LAB’s scaled-up model, particularly its benefit-cost ratio. It commends the Government of Sierra Leone for its innovative approach to deregulating justice services and integrating paralegals into the justice system, which has enabled the LAB to provide an affordable, nationwide service for legal advice, assistance, and representation.

Conclusion

Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles’ presentation at the Global Forum underscored the innovative and impactful measures taken by the Legal Aid Board to enhance access to justice in Sierra Leone. The international recognition by ODI highlights the success of these initiatives and the critical role of government support and frugal innovation in creating a scalable and effective justice service. As the LAB continues to address challenges and expand its reach, its efforts serve as a model for other low-income countries striving to improve access to justice for their most marginalized and vulnerable populations.