ARTICULATE Language and Communication Consultants

Communication intermediary services

Support for effective participation in the justice process

Assessment, recommendations, reporting and communication facilitation for matters involving vulnerable witnesses, suspects and defendants.

Definition

What is a Communication Intermediary?

A communication intermediary assists legal professionals and the court to understand a person's communication profile and identify practical adjustments that support effective participation in the justice process.

Services can be requested across legal contexts, including matters involving witnesses and defendants outside the formal CSOEP program.

Role boundaries

How this work differs from in-program Witness Intermediary work

In-program Witness Intermediary work occurs within the formal Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program (CSOEP). ARTICULATE's communication intermediary work is independent and can be requested across legal contexts where communication needs affect participation, questioning or understanding.

The role remains communication-focused. It does not replace legal advice, advocacy, therapeutic support or the role of the court.

Pathways

Work with witnesses and defendants

Work with Witnesses

Support may include:

  • Assessment of communication needs
  • Recommendations for questioning
  • Advice on communication supports
  • Facilitation during investigative interviews, hearings or trial processes

Work with Defendants

Support may include:

  • Assessment of a defendant's communication
  • A written report with practical recommendations
  • Facilitation to support understanding and communication during legal processes

Referral

When to make a referral

  • There are concerns about understanding legal language, questions or instructions.
  • A person has known or suspected autism, intellectual disability, cognitive delay, ADHD, mutism, language disorder or another communication-related disability.
  • An interview, hearing or trial may require communication adjustments.
  • A report is needed to guide questioning, participation or court processes.

Assessment

What an assessment involves

  • Review of relevant background information and legal context.
  • Communication-focused assessment of strengths, needs and barriers.
  • Consideration of comprehension, expression, processing, attention, anxiety and response style.
  • Practical recommendations for legal professionals and the court.

Report

What a report provides

  • A clear communication profile.
  • Recommendations for questioning and participation.
  • Suggested communication adjustments for interviews, hearings or trial.
  • Guidance that can assist legal professionals to plan effectively.

Limits

Limits of the role

  • No legal advice.
  • No advocacy for either party.
  • No evidence coaching.
  • No therapeutic intervention within the legal process.

Referral guidance

Planning a referral or preparing for a matter?

Use the legal professionals page for referral timing, information to provide, report expectations, court attendance details and practical tools.

View Referral Guidance