What We Do
Court Network is a free community support service provided by volunteers that enables people to better understand and navigate the court process.
How We Can Help
Court Network is a free community support service provided by volunteers that enables people to better understand and navigate the courts. Our services are delivered by highly trained volunteers, known as Networkers, who stand beside and empower all court users to manage their day in court.
We offer non-legal information, support and referrals to other community organisations that meet individual needs.
In-Court Support
Court Network can offer comprehensive support to anyone navigating the court system in Victoria. You can pre-book our in-court support services via our website, over the phone, or you can look for Court Network volunteers in court wearing our iconic pink lanyards.
If you, or somebody you know needs support, we can:
- Give you support and information about going to court
- Explain court processes
- Provide information about accessing legal support
- Assist you to feel safe while at court
- Help to arrange access to a safe room if required
- Familiarise you with the court beforehand, so you know where to go
- Provide information about how to access an interpreter
- Be a support person in court
- Provide support while you give evidence in a remote witness facility
- Explain decisions that affect you
- Provide scribing support for Intervention Orders
- Refer you to other community services that can help you with legal questions, health, housing, and family violence issues , as well as any other issues you may be experiencing
- Advocate for your individual (non-legal) needs and circumstances at court
Telephone Support
Our Telephone Service is available Monday to Friday, 12:00pm – 4:00pm AEST. Outside of this time, please leave a voicemail message with your name, contact number, and a brief description of why you are calling. We will reach out as soon as possible.
Court Network prioritises the well-being of our volunteers and staff in all our communications. We appreciate your call and are committed to supporting you with respect and courtesy. We ask that you treat us the same.
Information, support, and referrals are available over the phone to all court users in Victoria, and Family Court users in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. Call us free on 1800 571 239 to speak with one of our highly trained Networkers, who can support you by providing:
- Emotional support before and after your court hearing/s
- Information about going to court, court processes, and what to expect
- Information about how to access an interpreter or safety planning in court
- Assistance with booking a Networker in court to support you on the day
- Referrals to legal supports in your area
- Referrals to community services that can support you with family violence matters, mental health support, parenting and family challenges, and any other supports you may require while navigating the justice system
Where We Operate
Court Network operates in 35 courts across Victoria and Queensland. Court Network adapts to meet the needs of court users. See our Specialised Services.
FAMILY COURT
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Brisbane Family Court
- Dandenong Family Court
- Melbourne Family Court
Court Network adapts to meet the needs of court users. See our Specialised Services.
QUEENSLAND
Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Court Reception
- Beenleigh Magistrates’ Court
- Brisbane Magistrates’ Court
- Cairns Magistrates’ Court
- Ipswich Magistrates’ Court
- Southport Magistrates’ Court
VICTORIA
Metropolitan Courts
- Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court
- Children’s Court of Victoria
- Collingwood Neighbourhood Justice Centre
- Coroners Court of Victoria
- County Court of Victoria
- Dandenong Magistrates’ Court
- Frankston Magistrates’ Court
- Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court
- Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
- Moorabbin Justice Centre
- Ringwood Magistrates’ Court
- Sunshine Magistrates’ Court
- Supreme Court of Victoria
- Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
- Werribee Magistrates’ Court
Regional Courts
- Ballarat Magistrates’ Court
- Bendigo Law Courts
- Castlemaine Magistrates’ Court
- Colac Magistrates’ Court
- Echuca Magistrates’ Court
- Geelong Magistrates’ Court
- Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court
- Mildura Magistrates’ Court
- Shepparton Law Courts
- Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court
- Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court
- Wodonga Magistrates’ Court
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive Court Network services?
- Anyone 18 years old attending court at our service locations or accessing our Telephone Service.
- We support all court users including their families and friends.
Where are the services located?
Court Network is located in many courts in Victoria and some in Queensland.
We also offer telephone support to people in Victoria, and now Family Court users in Queensland and New South Wales.
Does this service cost anything?
Do you offer legal advice?
How do I refer someone to you or access support for myself?
- By clicking Book Support and completing the online form.
- By calling our Telephone Service on 1800 571 239
- By approaching one of our Networkers at court – look out for the people in the pink lanyards
If you are referring someone to us, please make sure you have consent before sharing their information.
How far in advance should I make a referral?
If you have a court date already set, you are welcome to book in for support even if this is months in advance. We will book in a phone call closer to the date to confirm your hearing is still going ahead and whether support is available.
How many times can the service be accessed? Is there a limit?
No limit on access, and it is free and confidential.
Can you provide support to someone under the age of 18?
Our telephone and online services do not provide services to children. We can offer support to parents/guardians and carers. We cannot babysit or offer childcare services in court.
What days are your services available?
It is different depending on court location and program.
Our telephone service operates Monday to Friday 12:00pm – 4:00pm – please call and ask for specific court information.
Can I get support in another language?
Yes, via our Telephone Service we can access interpreters. For in-court services, we can advocate to the court for an interpreter to be arranged or inform the court that a court user requires one. You can also access our multicultural resources here. We are an inclusive service and our online referral form will ask for country of birth, preferred language, and if an interpreter is required.
What if I need assistance accessing the court building or have a disability that affects my participation in the court process?
We can advocate for you, please call our Telephone Service on: 1800 571 239.