Does my client need an intermediary? How can intermediary help at a parole hearing? What are ‘questions in advance’? If you have a question about communication difficulties and court proceedings, you will find the answer in The Access Brief, a new resource created by Communicourt.

The Access Brief is a library of free, downloadable factsheets for legal professionals working with someone who has a communication need. Created by experienced intermediaries, The Access Brief provides essential information about all aspects of communication difficulty in the courts.

The purpose of this new resource is to share up-to-date information about the courts and communication needs with solicitors, barristers, parole officers and other court professionals.

The Access Brief can be used as a ‘go to’ reference for quick questions about intermediaries, or an in-depth resource to improve understanding of the impact of communication difficulties at court. Whether you are concerned about the communication skills of a new client, or have booked an intermediary for a client’s hearing and want to advise them about what to expect, The Access Brief offers valuable advice and information in short, easy-to-digest guides.

The ‘court process’ collection

This week, the first collection of 19 guides was launched. These guides provide ‘at a glance’ information about the fundamentals of working with an individual who has a communication difficulty in the court system. This collection includes information about:

• Identifying communication difficulties.
• Ground Rules Hearings.
• The roles of advocates and intermediaries.
• Interpreter and intermediary co-working.
• Assisting clients who have Official Solicitors.
• The intermediary role during evidence.
• The purpose of Questions in Advance.
• The use of intermediaries at probation interviews.

These guides explain how intermediaries can assist at different stages of court proceedings. They also include practical information about requesting intermediaries and assisting clients with communication needs, from initial conference to final hearing.

Coming soon: The ‘diagnoses’ collection

Over the coming month, a further set of guides will be published, sharing information about the common court communication needs of people with a learning disability, autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dementia, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), personality disorder, stroke, depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. These guides contain a wealth of information, including:

• Background information about each diagnosis.
• Common communication difficulties for legal professionals to be aware of.
• Strategies to assist clients at different stages of proceedings.
• Tips for legal professionals working with each client group.

How to use The Access Brief

This new resource is free to all. Simply visit The Access Brief and register for free using your email address to browse the information online. Do you have a question which isn’t explored on The Access Brief, or a topic you’d like to know more about? Contact us for further information or submit your question via The Access Brief suggestion box.