PREPARING FOR YOUR MEETING OR COURT ATTENDANCE
The criminal justice system deals with concepts that are unfamiliar to many people and are often expressed in complex legal language. Providing communication assistance requires identifying barriers to communication and making reasonable adjustments by increasing support and modifying the environment. Here are some ways to prepare a client-focused approach and have the resources that you will need at hand.
Before the meeting or court attendance
• Identify the communication demands of the situation – what are the key words, concepts and information that need to be clearly understood?
• Identify the strengths and the needs of the client’s speech and language (including literacy):
- What have you noticed? - What can the person tell you about that makes it easier or harder for them to understand what’s said and give their account?
• Prepare a plan of what assists the client, and prepare any resources or allowances for particular needs and behaviours to ensure the client can focus on the meeting.
For example:
- allow time to become familiar with the room
- making any adjustments to the room - allowing for any self-regulating behaviours such as rocking or hand flapping
- offering or allowing the client to use their own self-regulating items such as holding a squeeze or comfort object, or colouring in or doodling
- being willing to talk about the clients’ interests before your agenda. Sometimes this serves as a short break for a client.
- having visual aids such as a whiteboard and markers or Post-it notes on hand to assist with constructing a narrative or to explain options in a trial matter
- being aware of how the client’s behaviour or communication may change when fatigued
- planning for breaks accordingly.
• Decide whether an assessment by a speech pathologist, psychologist, or other specialist is required.
• Decide if communication assistance is required during the meetings or court process and arrange accordingly.
During the meeting or court attendance
• Set up ground rules so that everyone knows it’s okay to say “I need a break” or “Sorry I missed that. Say it again?” or “I don’t know what you mean.”
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