Legal assistance is to help older individuals to maintain their independence and dignity by providing outreach, education, full-service legal advice, advocacy and representation to those in social or economic need (see OAA definitions below) for whom other legal services are not available from the private bar or other sources within the means of those to be served. The broad purposes under this legal assistance program are: 1) to assist older individuals in understanding their rights; exercising choices; benefiting from services and opportunities authorized by law, maintaining their rights when at risk of guardianship; and 2) to provide access to the justice system by providing advocacy, advice, and representation to older individuals. 42 USC 3058(j)(5), 42 USC 3002(313)
