How are justice-involved populations impacted by civil legal issues?

Justice-involved populations often experience civil legal issues as a direct result of justice-system involvement. Typically, these issues are related to their basic needs (e.g., housing, income maintenance, employment, custody, etc.) and are not experienced as a one-off situation. Often, the civil legal issues experienced will be multiple, overlapping and compounding. When these issues aren’t addressed, they can lead to:

• Further marginalization and oppression
• Continued poor socio-economic conditions
• An increased likelihood of incarceration
• An increased chance of recidivism
• Increased challenges associated with reintegration