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

2. 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.

3. Background
In the State’s Disability Justice Plan ( ), 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

4. 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.

5. How do individuals and agencies refer?
Call 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. Questions?