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Court Network
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.
Therefore, Court Network provides support, information and services which:
- Lessen the trauma of going to Court and empowering Court users;
- Respond to the diversity of all Court users;
- Enhance the dignity of all citizens by responding to them in a non-judgmental and respectful manner;
- Recognise the needs and concerns of particular groups such as those from non-disabled and/or the otherwise geographically or socially isolated;
- Seek to promote the safety of Court users;
- Promote and respect the decisions made by Court users;
- Provide knowledge of and referral to community agencies and services which assist Court users;
- Recognise that the gender, race and class of Court users significantly affect their experience of the justice system;
- Contribute to policy developments consistent with the needs and issues raised by Court users;
- Pursue law reform consistent with the promotion of the justice for all, and
- Conduct 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. The Networkers are managed by professional Program Managers.
The service is offered in:-
The Magistrates' Court
The County Court
The Supreme Court
The Coroner's Court and
The Family Court
and is available when the courts are open. It operates in metropolitan courts and in the regional courts of Gippsland, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Echuca, Warrnambool, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Mildura, Shepparton
There is also a Statewide Court Network Telephone Information and Referral Service which can assist people in preparing to attend Court.
This might involve:
- Provision of information about court procedure,
- Referral to legal services and community resources,
- Assisting in organising interpreters, child care, disability access,
- Making arrangements to ensure someone's safety when they are at court,
- Pre-booking a Networker to provide support on the day.
Further information is available from their website via the link in the panel to the right.
Contacts
Telephone (03) 9603 7433
Toll Free: 1800 681 614
Fax: (03 9670 8804
Email: phonevol@courtnetwork.com.au
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