LEGAL SERVICES
Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP; www.vaapvt.org) subcontracts as the legal services entity of Connecting Cultures/New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma. As our resident legal services provider, VAAP provides expert legal services for survivors of torture (SOTs) in Vermont, representing individuals in their applications for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and other similar forms of humanitarian relief and protection from deportation. VAAP attorneys consult with other Connecting Cultures providers as needed regarding legal concerns and processes. In addition to directly representing SOTs, VAAP is a legal services and technical assistance provider for all noncitizen
Vermonters that exists to raise awareness of and access to critical immigration legal help and support. VAAP achieves their mission through statewide direct service delivery, pro bono coordination, technical assistance, community education, and administrative and legislative advocacy. Serving as a bridge between immigrant service providers and regulators across the state and region, VAAP educates the public on immigration issues and advocates for policies and practices that advance immigrants’ rights. Visit VAAP's multilingual educational website to learn more.
​
​
While the Connecting Cultures psychological domain meets the need for psychological evaluation and therapeutic support during the arduous asylum process, VAAP simultaneously meets the legal needs of these clients.