Working in the law courts as a volunteer can by challenging and complex, but rewarding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Court Network volunteer Peter said he joined the organisation, where he is based at the Ballarat Law Courts, two years ago.
He said his role involved providing support, information and referral to people attending court and advocate for all court users’ needs.
“We talk to everyone who comes into the court; witnesses, families and victims,” Peter said.
“There are people who fall in the gaps and we try to help them. We see it as an important job. It can be challenging. It’s not an easy task.”
Court Network is currently recruiting volunteers to provide a minimum of one day’s work at the Ballarat Law Courts.
Court Network program manager Julie Toohey said the way volunteers engaged with court users was unique.
“Some people come into court with no idea how to get help. We make sure they have the support they need and we point them in the right direction,” Ms Toohey said.
She said Court Network provided volunteers with a lot of training to develop their skills. Trained networkers provided mentoring in the training.
The network is recruiting volunteers to work at Ballarat, starting in early 2018.
A training program will start in mid-January with a few days of court observation followed by five consecutive days of training in the Melbourne CBD from February 5 to 9.
To register, go to www.courtnetwork.com.au or phone 8306 6915 for more information. Applications close on November 30.