Survey: Communication assistants lead to a more equitable justice process

Respondents to our recent stakeholder survey have reinforced the critical role of communication assistants (CA) in enabling a more equitable justice process.

We recently sought feedback from the people in the justice sector to understand what works well for them and where we can improve. Twenty-two responses were received.

Stakeholders told us that communication assistant services have become an integrated, valued part of the justice system, recognised as essential for fair proceedings.

“I believe this case could not have run so smoothly without CA. I also believe the involvement of the CA ensured that all the relevant evidence was brought to the attention of counsel and the court. In the absence of such, a serious miscarriage of justice was at risk.” Lawyer

The feedback shows that communication assistants are highly regarded and support meaningful participation by helping clients to understand language and process, and by giving clients a voice and helping them actively engage in their proceedings.

“It was a difficult situation where the participant had an intellectual disability.... A CA was very helpful to ensure the participant knew what was happening and knew what his options were. He required a lot of face-to-face communication and asked very good questions.... The visuals also assisted my client in his understanding.” Defence lawyer.

One respondent described how the involvement of a communication assistants is “levelling the playing field”, particularly for those with intellectual disabilities or facing high communication demands.

Respondents also gave feedback on our people and services specifically, highlighting our key strengths as trustworthiness, professionalism and our ability to build rapport with everyone we work with.  

“I think that Talking Trouble are a fantastic organisation to work with. They always respond to our queries in a timely manner and the CA reports are well-written and always completed to a high standard. I think that overall, the entire process of making a referral for the appointment of a CA in a criminal proceeding is very straightforward and efficient.” Court registry officer

“We have worked together on several cases for various clients. She is invariably professional, prepared, interested to give the client maximum benefit of her expertise, and invaluable in her advice and guidance to counsel, client and court.” Barrister.

Opportunities for improvement include helping to enable earlier referrals and better cross-jurisdiction coordination.

We are heartened to receive this feedback and the recognition of how valuable our work is. Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete our survey.

About Talking Trouble

Talking Trouble is a social enterprise of speech-language therapists and communication assistants who help others communicate more effectively and assist them to participate effectively in the the discussions and decisions that affect them.

We focus specifically on the communication needs of children, youth and adults involved with justice, care and protection, mental health and behaviour services.

This includes people involved in the justice system, such as complainants, witnesses and defendants, such as in Youth, District and High Courts and tribunals.

We act in similar roles in other settings such as Family Group Conferences, Police interviews and Parole Board Hearings.

More from our respondents

“The CA was critical to ensure my client understood the process and was able to engage effectively in the trial.” Barrister

“The CA has gone over and above to support my young person in court appearances and in family group conference. She has spent a lot of time with my young person helping him with understanding all the different court proceedings and processes.” Youth justice social worker.

“In this case, I would tell that X (as well as her sister, X who also required a CA) trusted the CA, which no doubt improved their ability to cope with the daunting trial process, but more importantly understand and respond to difficult questions.” Crown prosecutor.

“The CA had good graphs and pictures, used stick-it notes, had excellent use of both verbal and non-verbal components. She was professional and worked with the team surrounding the young person to ensure that the young person had a good understanding of what was happening and could participate while still feeling safe.” Lay advocate youth court