Guam Legal Services Corporation (GLSC) is a private, non-profit corporation that was established in 1979. It began receiving congressional appropriations in 1981, which allowed the corporation to provide legal representation to the low-income community of Guam. GLSC is not a part of the Government of Guam or the federal government. It is governed by a board of directors consisting of attorneys and program eligible persons. Since 1981, GLSC has expanded into programs assisting vulnerable populations including survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Significantly, in 1999 GLSC was designated the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System for Guam. This means GLSC is authorized under applicable federal and local laws to protect and promote the human, civil and legal rights of individuals with mental illness and/or developmental and other disabilities through legally based advocacy. Thus, GLSC became the Disability Law Center. GLSC cannot provide representation in criminal matters or in matters where the client is seeking monetary compensation.

The Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Programs

To qualify for any of the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, the person must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the legal issue for which help is sought must be related to the disability. Likewise, the issue cannot be raised for financial gain and cannot be fee-generating. The issue must fall within certain priorities and may be limited by available resources, the existence of other programs that can address the applicant’s issue, and the potential effect on the person’s life, health, and safety. These factors apply across all P&A programs. In addition, there cannot be a conflict of interest applicable to the parties involved.

Under the Protection and Advocacy programs, there is no charge to clients for legal services. However, clients are responsible for paying fees associated with their case (for example: court-filing fees, notice publication fees, and documents recording fees with government agencies). If a client is unable to pay these fees, GLSC can work with the client to determine if the fees can be waived.

The first of such programs is the program for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI), which assists individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness or emotional impairment. The PAIMI program monitors and investigates abuse and neglect in facilities and group homes that care for or treat individuals with mental illness and provides representation at fair hearings for government benefits and adult legal guardianships.

The program for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) assists individuals who have a developmental disability. A developmental disability is a life-long disability that manifests itself before age 22 and is attributed to mental and/or physical impairments. The PADD program priorities include legal advocacy for appropriate special education services and care and treatment in the least restrictive enviornment. Many of the same services with PAIMI are available for PADD clients.

The program for the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) assists individuals with disabilities who are not eligible for services under the PADD or PAIMI programs, such as those with physical disabilities acquired as an adult. Services include advocacy in regards to personal decision making powers and assisting in delegating these powers when appropriate.

The program for the Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) assists individuals with disabilities in accessing technology devices and assistive technology services through advocacy and legal representation, while the program for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) provides information, referral and advocacy services to individuals who face a loss of legal rights as a direct result of TBI.

The program for the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) assists beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with issues related to securing or regaining gainful employment. This includes information and referral, consultation and legal representation when necessary, and advocacy related to the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Implemetantion Act (TWWIIA).

The program for the Protection and Advocacy for Voter Access (PAVA) is meant to ensure that individuals with disabilities can have full participation in the electoral process. This includes registering to vote, casting a vote, and accessing polling places. The priorities under the PAVA program include educational outreach and advocacy.

Other Programs

GLSC also has two additional federally funded programs: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant program. The LSC program provides legal services to the low-income community and the LAV program provides comprehensive legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.