Dublin's Community Law & Mediation (CLM) has been approved for funds to develop its legal service for children and young people.

The community law centre, which provides free legal, mediation and education services, is one of five charities to receive grants of €120,000 each.

Community Foundation Ireland’s RTE Toy Show Appeal is the source for the funding.

Children in care

CLM currently operates a limited children’s law service and runs an outreach free legal advice clinic with EPIC (Empowering People in Care) for children in care and young care leavers.

Last year, the organisation secured funding to scope the potential for a dedicated Children’s Law Centre and to offer legal advice clinics and training for children and young people and their families, addressing a shortfall in State services in this area.

Chief executive Rose Wall (pictured) said that the funding would bring CLM closer to its strategic goal of establishing a dedicated children’s law centre.