IMPORTANT NOTICE – 6th July 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our court support program has been on hold. At this stage we don’t know when the scheme will be up and running again, but we will contact existing volunteers to notify them of any changes.
While CRC’s court support is on hold, we will not be accepting applications to volunteer with the program.
We will advertise any future vacancies as required through the Centre for Volunteering.
https://www.volunteering.com.au/
CRC’s Court Support Scheme (CSS) was established in 1982 and operates in Local courts across the Sydney metropolitan area, Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong. Funded by Legal Aid NSW, CSS is available for defendants, witnesses and victims of crime, as well as the many friends and families of those attending court. The scheme is delivered by more than 50 trained volunteers who give freely of their time to help people navigate the court system.
Attending court can be challenging and distressing, especially if it is your first time. For those facing the stress of their first court appearance, multiple adjournments or having a family member in custody, being assisted in a friendly manner can make a real difference. CRC volunteers provide information on court protocol, sources of legal assistance, emotional support and referrals to other services. Volunteers do not offer legal advice and there is no referral or fee required for its service. More than 50,000 court attendees were offered assistance in the last financial year.
“A big thank you to the skilled and committed volunteers who give so freely of their time. The dedication of these volunteers to providing support and information makes a real difference to people who are feeling confused, stressed and often overwhelmed when they come to court.”
– Legal Aid NSW
This volunteering initiative represents an outstanding commitment to improving access to justice, especially for vulnerable and socio-economically disadvantaged members of our community.
Local Courts Serviced
Bankstown, Blacktown, Burwood, Downing Centre, Gosford, Hornsby, Manly, Mount Druitt, Newcastle, Newtown, Parramatta, Penrith, Sutherland, Waverley, Wollongong, Wyong.
Eligibility: This is a free service available at courts supported by the scheme.
Access: This service is available on list days only, between the hours of 9am and 11am.
Important to know: This service does NOT provide legal advice. For legal information please visit the Legal Aid NSW website or alternatively see the Law Access NSW website.
Funding: Legal Aid New South Wales.
Volunteering with the Court Support Scheme
There are limited places available for volunteers and vacancies may arise throughout the year depending on volunteer retirements. For further information about current vacancies, please speak to the Court Support Scheme Coordinator on (02) 9288 8700 before sending in your application.
Volunteer Application: Court Support Volunteer Application Form
For more information about this service, please contact our Court Support Scheme Coordinator on (02) 9288 8700 or contact us.
Click HERE to learn more about how CRC provides support within the court system
“We do it because, like a lot of people who have liberated themselves from the workforce, we want to give something back to our community, and because doing a little bit of good is better than doing nothing at all.”
– Jan, volunteer
“The people who benefit are the court attendees, their families and loved ones, and the court’s administrative staff. Of course, we benefit too, because we interact with a fascinating cross-section of our fellow human beings from all walks of life. We also benefit from the friendship of colleagues.”
– Susan, volunteer