The Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) supports people with cognitive impairment in contact with the NSW criminal justice system, including as victims, witnesses and suspects/defendants to exercise their rights and fully participate in the process. The service provides support to both adults and young people with cognitive impairment.
The service uses an individual advocacy approach by arranging a support person to be with victims, witnesses and suspects/defendants when they are in contact with police, courts and legal representatives.
JAS is delivered by the Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS).
The service is available across NSW including in rural, regional and remote areas, and concentrated in NSW Police Area Commands, Police Districts and around central court locations.
The service has seven core functions:
- Supports for suspects/defendants with cognitive impairment in police custody.
- Supports for victims and witnesses with cognitive impairment when in contact with police.
- Supports for people with cognitive impairment attending court.
- Supports for people with cognitive impairment attending legal appointments.
- Training for Justice agency staff on working with people with cognitive impairment in contact with the criminal justice system.
- Capacity building and peer mentoring for people with cognitive impairment in contact with the criminal justice system.
- Free legal advice from a trained solicitor for suspects with cognitive impairment in police custody.
Eligibility:
A potential client will not need to provide evidence of cognitive impairment to access the service. If police, court or legal representatives believe the person may have a cognitive impairment, a referral can be made by calling JAS on 1300 665 908.
Meeting Arrangements: The Justice Advocate is available to meet with individuals, agencies and community groups to provide information about the service and how it is accessed. The service is keen to recruit volunteers to be trained to provide supports in each community.
