Nonprofit, legal automation company design new AI tool to protect public benefits
An artificial intelligence tool from national nonprofit Frontline Justice and legal automation company Josef that aims to improve access to justice is rolling out across three states. (Photo by PhonlamaiPhoto/Getty Images)
An artificial intelligence tool from national nonprofit Frontline Justice and legal automation company Josef that aims to improve access to justice is rolling out across three states.
Frontline Q, an AI assistant that can help families navigate the complex Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is now available in Arizona, Texas and Alaska. Using a combination of federal, state and local regulations and with oversight from legal aid lawyers, it offers answers to questions about the program’s eligibility and appeal rules.
Nikole Nelson, the CEO of Frontline Justice—which mobilizes, trains and supports community justice workers—said in a news release Thursday these advocates have recovered more than $20 million in SNAP benefits for families since late 2022.
“By embedding Josef’s technology into our justice worker model and rolling out Frontline Q into these three critical states, we are establishing a blueprint to scale access to justice nationwide,” Nelson said. “We are connecting trusted advocates with communities, ensuring that they are giving high-quality legal guidance, and that families at risk of losing access to food get help faster than ever before.”
Arizona, Texas and Alaska each will partner with a local organization to offer training, onboarding and supervision of community justice workers who use their versions of Frontline Q.
“By giving justice workers powerful, easy-to-use AI tools tailored to their state’s specific regulations, we’re enabling neighbors to help neighbors effectively,” said Sam Flynn, the chief operating officer and co-founder of Josef, in the news release. “The tools will help amplify the reach and impact of trusted local advocates who are already working on the front lines.”
Currently, 13 states and the District of Columbia have proposed or authorized community justice worker programs, which train health workers, social services staff and other nonlawyers to supplement existing civil legal aid efforts.
While Frontline Q focuses on Americans who are at risk of losing SNAP benefits, it could be expanded in the future to assist those who rely on other public benefits—such as Medicaid—and housing, according to the press release.
See also:
Nikole Nelson champions a national model to bring legal services to those without access
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