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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:
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lack of comprehensive, understandable information
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lack of comprehensive services which recognise the diversity
of Court users
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the culture and language of the Court environment, and
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the financial and emotional cost of justice.
Court Network provides support, information and services which:
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lessens the trauma of going to Court and empowers Court users
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responds to the diversity of all Court users
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enhances the dignity of all citizens by responding to them
in a non-judgmental and respectful manner
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recognises the needs and concerns of particular groups such
as those from non-disabled and/or the otherwise geographically
or socially isolated
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seeks to promote the safety of Court users
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promotes and respect the decisions made by Court users
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provides knowledge of and referral to community agencies
and services which assist Court users
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recognises that the gender, race and class of Court users
significantly affect their experience of the justice system
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contributes to policy developments consistent with the needs
and issues raised by Court users
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pursues law reform consistent with the promotion of the justice
for all, and
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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 14 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. It operates in:
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the Magistrates' Court
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the Family Court
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the County Court
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the Coroner's Court
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the Supreme Court
and is available when the courts are open.
The Queensland Service is offered in the Brisbane Commonwealth District and Supreme courts.
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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
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provision of information about court procedure
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referral to legal services and community resources
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assisting in organising interpreters, child care, disabled
access
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making arrangements to ensure someone's safety when they
are at court
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pre-booking a Networker to provide support on the day.
See also Introducing
Court Network (PDF, 192KB)
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