The Peninsula Family Advocacy Program is a specialized medical-legal partnership operated by the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, offering free legal services to low-income disabled children and their families. It stands out for its integrated approach, working directly within healthcare settings to address legal issues that impact health and well-being.
The program focuses on removing legal barriers to essential services for vulnerable families, leveraging partnerships with medical providers and community organizations. Its targeted support helps clients navigate complex systems involving healthcare, education, and public benefits, ensuring that legal assistance is both accessible and effective for those in need.
Services Offered
- Health insurance and medical bills assistance
- Access to medical care (evaluations, ABA, speech therapy, etc.)
- Regional Center access (Early Start Program)
- Special education and Individualized Education Program (IEP) support
- Disability benefits (IHSS, SSI, CAPI)
- Mental health services
- Housing and eviction information and referrals
- Domestic violence assistance
- Guardianship and conservatorship guidance
- Public benefits assistance (CalFresh, WIC, CalWorks)
- Immigration referrals
All services are provided free and confidentially to qualifying low-income families, with support from community partners including First Five San Mateo County, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and the State Bar of California Legal Services Trust Fund.
