Court Network provides personal support, information and programs to those in contact with the justice system. Court Network recognises that there are significant barriers to accessing the justice system including:

• lack of comprehensive, understandable information

• lack of comprehensive services which recognise the diversity of Court users

• the culture and language of the Court environment, and

• the financial and emotional cost of justice.

Court Network provides support, information and services which:

• lessens the trauma of going to Court and empowers Court users

• responds to the diversity of all Court users

• enhances the dignity of all citizens by responding to them in a non-judgmental and respectful manner

• recognises the needs and concerns of particular groups such as those from non-disabled and/or the otherwise geographically or socially isolated

• seeks to promote the safety of Court users

• promotes and respect the decisions made by Court users

• provides knowledge of and referral to community agencies and services which assist Court users

• recognises that the gender, race and class of Court users significantly affect their experience of the justice system

• contributes to policy developments consistent with the needs and issues raised by Court users

• pursues law reform consistent with the promotion of the justice for all, and

• conducts research and social advocacy to change the structures of and access to the justice system.

The service is provided by highly trained volunteer Networkers working in the courts. Networkers are managed by 12 professional Program Managers.

The Victorian service is offered in metropolitan courts and courts in the regions of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo Shepparton, Wodonga, Warrnambool, Mildura, and Gippsland. See the location map for more detailas. Court Network operates in the following Melbourne Metropolitan Courts:

• the Magistrates' Court

• the Family Court

• the County Court

• the Coroner's Court

• the Supreme Court

The Queensland Service is offered in the Brisbane Supreme and Districts Courts, Commonwealth Law Court, Magistrates Court and the Queensland Civil and Tribunal (QCAT). In 2010 the service was rolled out in the Cairns and Townsville Courts.

Nature of assistance

The Court Network telephone information and referral service can assist people preparing to attend court. It is open between 9AM and 5PM Monday to Friday - call 1800 681 614 (toll free).

Assisting people preparing to attend court might involve

• provision of information about court procedure

• referral to legal services and community resources

• assisting in organising interpreters, child care, disabled access

• making arrangements to ensure someone's safety when they are at court

• pre-booking a Networker to provide support on the day.

See also Introducing Court Network (PDF, 192KB)

Court Network information and referral service - 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Victoria: call 1800 681 614 (toll free) or email: admin@courtnetwork.com.au

Brisbane: call 1800 267 671 (toll free) or email: brisbane@courtnetwork.com.au

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