Court Network

Court Network is a unique frontline community organisation that helps to empower people to better access the justice system through the provision of information, support and referral. Court Network’s service is important in accessing justice, particularly for vulnerable or disadvantaged court users who may be attending court for the first time; be unfamiliar with court rules and processes; lack knowledge about what is expected; feel frightened or unsafe; be self-representing; or challenged in understanding and participating in the court process. The service is delivered by a workforce of over 450 highly-trained volunteers who provide non-judgemental, confidential, respectful support, information and referral to all court users, including victims, witnesses, defendants, family violence victims, respondents, family members and friends. Last year we assisted over 190,000 people across Victoria who might otherwise have been managing a difficult and stressful day in court without support. While our primary mission is to support court users, Court Network’s services also provide direct benefit to the administration of justice and help reduce the demands on other services, including duty lawyers and court registries, both inside and outside the courtroom.