When justice gets a helping hand

3 September 2026

Imagine sitting in a small room, staring at a screen waiting for the magistrate to appear, a prosecutor to pop up, and a whole host of legal questions to come your way.

 Now imagine you have difficulty following a line of questioning and feel anxious and unsure because of an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury, or autism spectrum disorder.

But this is your opportunity to defend yourself, discover what the courts have decided, or find out what the next steps are.

People with cognitive impairment face extra hurdles when they come into contact with the justice system, whether they are appearing before the court, held on remand, or serving a sentence in custody.

Conditions such as intellectual disability, dementia, acquired brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and drug or alcohol-related brain damage can make it harder to understand what is happening around them.

Following instructions, remembering information, processing complex questions, making decisions or communicating their needs can be challenging, particularly in high-pressure environments where the consequences are significant.

That's where the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) plays an important role. The service regularly visits Corrective Services NSW correctional centres to ensure people in custody with cognitive impairment are understood and supported. JAS volunteers help clients know their rights and responsibilities, access services and programs, and participate in decisions that affect them while in custody.

“Our support people help clients understand court processes, communicate with their lawyers and navigate what can be a confusing and stressful experience,” JAS Area Manager Eliza Kidd said.

“They are trained to communicate in plain language, break down complex legal concepts, explain outcomes and next steps, and check for understanding.”

In the last financial year, JAS supported 654 inmates with cognitive impairment, assisting them through 1,738 court appearances. JAS court support volunteers attended 393 of these appearances, focusing on sentencing, bail applications and other key court events where their support can make the biggest difference.

“Our volunteers are a valuable and limited resource, so we must prioritise matters where support can make the greatest difference,” Ms Kidd said.

“But sometimes the most important role they play is simply providing reassurance and emotional support.”

JAS has 32 trained volunteers across NSW, including 13 in Sydney and 19 in regional areas. Volunteers support inmates at all Sydney correctional centres and in regional locations including Goulburn, Bathurst, Lithgow, Cessnock, Grafton, Kempsey and Broken Hill.

Inside correctional centres, JAS volunteers can sit with inmates during legal visits and court appearances conducted via audio-visual link. While volunteers provide support and reassurance, all interactions take place within the framework of established correctional and legal procedures.

“We have developed incredibly positive relationships with staff inside the correctional centres we visit, particularly with MRRC and Long Bay, where we attend regularly,” Ms Kidd said.

“It is important the relationship is strong because we are all working towards the same goal, for those with cognitive impairment to receive meaningful support and referral to appropriate services where needed.”

Governor Pat Aboud from the Metropolitan Reception and Remand Centre (MRRC), the largest remand centre in Australia, said JAS volunteers play an important role in supporting inmates with cognitive impairment.

“We greatly value the contribution of JAS volunteers and their commitment to supporting inmates with cognitive impairment,” Mr Aboud said.

“Their presence provides reassurance, promotes understanding, and helps create a more inclusive and responsive correctional environment.”

The relationship between JAS volunteers and CSNSW staff has developed benefits for all involved, but for those receiving support it can be life changing.

“Many of our clients report feeling less anxious, better informed and more able to participate in legal proceedings with a JAS support person by their side,” Ms Kidd said.

“And staff at the correctional centres work with us to ensure a sense of calm and respect when we visit.”

For many inmates with cognitive impairment, having someone by their side who can explain processes, answer questions and provide reassurance can make a significant difference during what is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Through their ongoing partnership, JAS and Corrective Services NSW are helping some of the state's most vulnerable people better understand legal processes, participate in decisions that affect them and access the support they need to navigate the justice system with confidence.