Interview enquiries
Discuss communication support for an investigation
Available to police, legal practitioners and investigation professionals, subject to suitability and clear role boundaries.
Independent intermediary services
Communication Intermediary Services in Sydney and NSW
Specialist communication assessment, practical recommendations and facilitation for legal professionals working with vulnerable witnesses, suspects and defendants in Sydney and across New South Wales.
Who the service supports
Communication intermediary support for witnesses, suspects and defendants
Independent assistance is available for eligible legal matters in Sydney and across NSW, including court proceedings and investigative interviews.
Witnesses
Suspects
Defendants
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Assessment
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Report
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Recommendations
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Assistance through the justice process
Beyond the courtroom
Investigative interview support for adult witnesses and suspects
Communication support before and during an investigative interview.
Adult witnesses
Suspects
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Assessment
Identify communication needs and potential barriers before the interview.
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Interview plan
Advise on question structure, pacing and communication supports.
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Facilitation
Monitor understanding and help adapt questions without coaching the account.
For legal professionals
How to arrange an independent communication intermediary
Enquiries are welcome from solicitors, barristers, police, courts, tribunals and justice organisations.
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Initial enquiry
Provide a brief outline of the matter and key dates.
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Availability confirmed
Scope, timing and fees are discussed.
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Referral form sent
ARTICULATE provides the form and instructions.
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Service arranged
Assessment, reporting or attendance is confirmed.
Enquiries
Fees and availability
Fees and availability depend on the scope, location, urgency, attendance requirements and report needs.
Independent service
What does a communication intermediary do?
- Assesses a person's communication profile
- Helps legal professionals, police and the court communicate more effectively
- Identifies communication barriers
- Recommends practical adjustments
- Supports effective participation and questioning
Understanding the terms
Communication intermediary and Witness Intermediary: what is the difference?
In NSW, formal Witness Intermediary work is arranged through the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program (CSOEP) for eligible witnesses. Dr Stein is an accredited Witness Intermediary within that program.
ARTICULATE is a separate, independent communication intermediary service. It can be requested by legal professionals for witnesses, suspects and defendants across criminal, civil, family and tribunal matters.
Role boundaries
A communication intermediary is NOT:
- An interpreter
- An advocate or lawyer
- A questioner
- A support person
- An expert witness
Discuss a matter
Need communication intermediary input?
Provide a brief outline of the legal matter, relevant dates and the person's known communication needs.