2007 NAB Volunteer Awards: 'Networkers' take the drama out of the court room

[17 October 2007 | Volunteering Australia and NAB]

The Court Network has been providing information, support; education and referral services for people attending court in Victoria for 27 years, since it originated at the Prahan Court in 1980, offering comfort and helping people understand the legal system, so that their day in court is a stress fess as possible. It is a one of a kind organisation that prides itself on providing innovative and helpful resources for people attending court.

Known as 'Networkers' the volunteers work across 32 courts in Victoria. In 2006/7 the Court Network assisted 95,000 Australians at court and through their telephone helpline.

Each court has a team of three to six volunteers who undergo formal training to handle the complex and highly emotional environment they volunteer in.

"The Court Network implements best practice procedures in all training of their volunteers as they are responsible for helping people who are often distressed, confused and grief-stricken," said Executive Director, Nic Bolto.

One of its innovations, the 'Blue Jacket' project, sees clearly distinguishable volunteers at the entrance to the court providing direction and assistance to those in need, rather than the public being greeted by armed guards in uniform.

Volunteers are also trained as baristas to run 'coffee carts' in front of court buildings to supply those attending court with a comforting cup of coffee, all to ensure their experience in court is as stress free as possible.

"Being a Networker is an extremely generous and patient role that many court officials and judges in Victoria see as an integral and vital part of the Family Court system and that's why implementing best practice volunteering is so essential," said Mr Bolto.

More information

Esther Makris
Corporate Social Responsibility, Australia
National Australia Bank
Tel: (03)8634 1565

Nic Bolto
Executive Director
Victorian Court Information and Welfare Network
Tel: 03 9603 7420