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Personal Support

Court support services

Each court has a range of support services available to assist people going to court. Courts may run their own services, operate in partnership with other agencies or refer people to specific support programs.

The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, for example, has a number of specific services for people with a disability, who are drug dependent, are adolescents between the ages of 17 and 20, or have an indigenous background. Eligibility requirements for these services are contained in the Guide to Court Support Services booklet, available online from the Magistrates' Court of Victoria website.

Interpreting services

Each court and tribunal can arrange for an interpreter to attend court with someone from a culturally and linguistically diverse background or with a hearing impairment. If an interpreter is needed, it is important that as much notice as possible is given to the relevant court or tribunal registry to ensure that the appropriate interpreter is available when required.

If you need an interpreter to seek further information or advice, contact:

• the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 (for the cost of a local call) if you are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
• the National Relay Service (NRS) on 133 677 if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.

Court Network

The Court Network is a non-profit organisation of trained volunteers available to provide support to court users. Support may include personal support, information provision on court processes, and referral to appropriate services.

Other agencies

There are a number of other agencies which provide various types of support to people accessing the court system. They include:

• the Salvation Army, which provides counselling and support to individuals who come into contact with the court system
• the Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, which is a service for people affected by family violence
• Victims Support Agency, which coordinates a whole of government approach to services for victims of crime and represents the voice of victims within the justice system.

The links on this page will provide access to more information about relevant support services in Victoria.