Communication Partner Service Information about the service 31st October, 2018

Presentation overview: Background to the Service; Who is eligible and how you can refer; What is the Communication Partner role and what it is not; Where we are at now and some examples of support that has been provided; Strategies that are useful; Volunteer opportunities; Contact details and questions.

Background In the State’s Disability Justice Plan (2014-2017), the South Australian government identified serious gaps in the criminal justice system for children and adults with communication disabilities The Communication Partner Service makes up one of the priority actions recommended in the Disability Justice Plan aimed at addressing the gap in targeted communication support The Service is underpinned by a legislative framework, which provides the statutory basis for the Service and increases obligations of those working in the criminal justice system Other relevant interventions were also rolled out and monitored as part of the Plan

What is the Communication Partner Service? What: program in the criminal justice system, the Service aims to facilitate the effective communication of children and adults with complex communication needs in key points in the criminal justice process where evidence is required to be given. Who: a team of trained, independent volunteers and small paid staff team from Uniting Communities, a local non-profit organisation based in South Australia. Where: staggered implementation. Currently operating in Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Murray Bridge, Whyalla and Victor Harbour and surrounding regions. Will continue to expand across South Australia in 2018 and beyond. When: Service line operates 7 days a week, 7am-10pm. 24/7 is pending.

How do individuals and agencies refer? Call 1800 615 677 and press 6 at the prompt Note: Service only formally accepts Requests for (Communication Partner) Support from the criminal justice system – advocacy on your part may be required Anyone can call for information and to put the Service team ‘on notice’ Before you call need to consider: Is this an active criminal matter? Is this an instance where evidence is going to be given? Is the person 14 years or younger? Or a person with “complex communication needs”? Or a person with a disability that adversely affects their capacity to give a coherent account of experiences? Somewhat subjective and informal assessment; and, Police and courts have the ultimate decision making responsibility in relation to determining this.

What support will be provided by a Communication Partner? A Communication Partner is an impartial person who provides support to improve the quality of the evidence in the criminal justice system. Communication Partners provide support to both clients and professionals to ensure, as far as possible, questions are asked appropriately so that clients can give the true account of their story. Communication Partners work with members of the legal system and the client’s support network to add value to the current procedures in place. Provide a level of continuity of communication support across CJ process, through provision of court recommendations.

What will a Communication Partner not provide? A Communication Partner will NOT provide: Legal advice or opinion; Advocacy, except so far as it relates to communication; Case management, transport, or emotional support; Expert advice; Interpreting services. The Communication Partner Service is limited in scope to observing, and making recommendations about the kinds of communication strategies that could by criminal justice personnel when gathering evidence from people with complex communication needs.

Referrals – examples Difficulties understanding questions & instructions Delay before responding Default to ‘Yes” Confusion /inconsistent responses Anxiety Fatigue Short attention or memory issues Specific difficulties with time and/or sequencing events Call Communication Partner Service 1800 615 677

Referrals – examples Difficulties with expression Speech and/or fluency Constructing thoughts into sentences Delay before responding Confusion Anxiety Fatigue Non cooperation / being silent Call Communication Partner Service 1800 615 677

Examples of support that has been provided: Rapport building sessions with victims prior to formal interview Formal police interviews – Victim statements and when a suspect is being questioned Prior to court hearings and in court support in Magistrates Court and Youth Court Pre trial preparation to assist SAPOL and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with “proofing” of vulnerable witnesses Pending - trials listed in the Supreme or District Courts

Strategies Communication Partners will recommend Communication Partners provide practical strategies specific to communication These are usually simple but when employed properly, very effective. Examples include: Slow down – use pauses “6 second rule” Short sentences, single concept, in plain English Pre arrange for breaks and agree to signals for key responses or requests Check understanding by asking client to put concepts in own words Use alternative methods to build rapport Consider if comfort items are needed Check body language – is there congruence? Plus, person centred strategies

Contact details: To request a Communication Partner: 1800 615 677 (press option 6) Service line: 7 days a week/ 7am-10pm To enquire about becoming a Communication Partner: Email Compas@unitingcommunities.org and refer to volunteering opportunities on the Uniting Communities website – www.unitingcommunities.org For other questions, contact the Service Manager, Anisa Leaver: anisal@unitingcommunities.org

Questions?