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Communicourt

@communicourt.bsky.social

Provider of HMCTS Appointed Court Intermediaries across England and Wales. We support the effective participation of court users with communication needs in #legal proceedings. Learn more: www.communicourt.co.uk

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Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

Our quarterly Communicourt team days are always full of learning, connection and celebration of achievements.  At each event we hold the LOVE Awards - recognising colleagues who have gone above and beyond in exemplifying our values of Collaboration, Innovation, Courage, Respect and Diversity.

Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

The Communicourt team are getting their glad rags on ahead of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards #LALY25 this evening. We're really proud to be sponsoring this event, which celebrates some of the most exceptional, socially-minded legal practitioners in practice.

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A/Professor Jessica Paynter @jessicapaynter.bsky.social · last yr.

Nice summary on association between #DLD and #mentalhealth . Often assumed to only impact language, flow on effects are important to recognise, identify, and support. www.wpspublish.com/blog/develop...

How Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Affects Mental Health: Real-Life Insights

Explore the lived experiences of children, teens, and adults with developmental language disorder (DLD) and learn how it impacts mental health, self-esteem, and daily life. Understand symptoms, coping...

wpspublish.com

Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

In this month's Moment that Made a Difference, Angela* (intermediary) worked with Claire (a mother in care proceedings). Although Claire did not have capacity in the case, it remained vital that she could participate as effectively as possible, and give her views. [*names and details changed]

Centre for Justice Innovation@cjinnovation.bsky.social · last yr.

Next week we launch our new research with @centreforcare.bsky.social on reducing the risk of CJS involvement for children in contact with the care system. Sign up to hear from Anna Leyland, senior researcher, Caroline Adams, @CollegeofPolice & Charlene Richardson, Safer Options. ow.ly/LOoX50VTLzn

Reducing the criminalisation of children in contact with the care system

The launch of 'Joining the dots: Reducing the risk of criminal justice involvement for children in contact with the social care system'.

ow.ly

Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

Legal proceedings often involve large amounts of written material - from initial documents to evidence and orders. For some, accessing and understanding this information can be challenging. Small changes in how we share information can make a big difference to participation and access to justice.

Title of this post is: Literacy Difficulties and Legal Proceedings - Five ways to support a client to access written information.
Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

This month's 'Moment That Made a Difference' addressed the impacts emotional dysregulation can have on an individual's ability to direct their attention, take in information and engage in effective communication - skills vital to effective participation in legal conferences and giving instructions.

White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Names & details changed. Melody, a mother in a private family matter, appeared highly anxious. She reported distress at the possibility her former partner would gain contact with their kids. In a conference with her lawyers, there were other topics to discuss but Melody was upset and focussed on whether her ex would get contact. It was hard for her to give clear instructions on other topics.White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. An outline of a flowchart is shown with pencils and a highligher. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Melody’s level of anxiety also made it challenging for her to process and retain information. For example, that contact would remain the same for now, and no decisions would be made about contact until much later in proceedings. Maryam (the intermediary), created a visual aid, mapping out the proceedings, step-by-step.White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Melody found it easier to ‘take in’ information in a visual format. Once she knew what to expect at each stage of proceedings, Melody was more able to take part in discussions about topics affecting an upcoming pre-hearing review. She was able to manage her emotions and could concentrate more on information provided by her lawyers.White text on orange background with Communicourt logo. Text reads: MOMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Melody’s barrister used the visual aid to remind her that decisions about contact would be made much later in proceedings, assisting her to refocus on the topic at hand, when she became distracted. In this way, she was able to give clear instructions on other points. Afterwards, the barrister said the aid was very useful in reducing Melody’s anxiety and supporting her focus.
Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

A great illustration of how inaccessible communication around bail conditions can be (whether due to communication needs or reduced access to technology) - and how important it is to check understanding directly.

CourtWatch@courtwatchproject.bsky.social · last yr.

Recent observations have highlighted how difficult it can be for defendants to comply with bail conditions. A defendant was accused of shoplifting & breaching bail conditions by entering a shop outside of Sutton. He pleaded not guilty. Courtwatcher Jemma was observing ⬇️ 🧵

Communicourt@communicourt.bsky.social · last yr.

Caroline made an impact in supporting a service user experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and challenges with concentration. These factors were affecting her ability to follow the flow of proceedings.

Caroline* assisted a service user, Joanna, who was experiencing some difficulties following the flow of court proceedings. During evidence Joanna would often often come back to the same topics, despite already talking about this. She would often request the same question to be put to the witness multiple times, despite already informing her barrister. This impacted her ability to observe and process ongoing evidence. Caroline created a WhatsApp chat where she could note down all the questions and comments the service user had. When it was time for the barrister to ask questions, Caroline would send the questions, where the barrister would put them to the witness. If Joanne became anxious or repeated a question, Caroline reassured her by pointing to the questions in the chat, reminding her that the barrister would ask it. Sometimes, the service user would even check the chat herself for reassurance. This strategy helped reduce anxiety, allowed Joanna to stay focused on the hearing, and gave her the space to think of more relevant questions as the session progressed. With clear communication and support, Joanna was able to grasp the positions of all parties and reflect on their statements. This made a significant difference in the quality of her evidence later in the week. She was able to work with her barrister to ask relevant questions, stay focused on the key issues, and engage meaningfully with the process Her barrister praised the approach, highlighting how it helped the service user stay calm, focused, and confident in her participation. Ultimately, this strategy led to a smoother process and better outcomes for everyone involved.