Becoming A Support Person

AJSN is looking for volunteers to become support persons in both police support and court support roles. We are looking for people who have some experience working with people with an intellectual disability or in disability services, or studying towards this.

Induction involves two-day training sessions and regular ongoing training and support are provided to all support persons. Support Persons are able to choose shifts to suit their lifestyle over the 24-hour seven-day roster, for police support, and between 9 and 5 Monday to Friday for court support.

Becoming a support person is a rewarding experience as shown by the following testimonials. Please contact to discuss the possibility of becoming a Support Person with AJSN.

CJSN Volunteer Story:

By Kelly – CJSN Volunteer, Hunter
[Feb 2006]


At the beginning of 2003 I commenced an Arts/Science degree at Melbourne University. But by the end of 2003, I felt I really needed a change as I wasn’t enjoying Uni and I was really keen to travel. So after spending a year travelling up and down the east coast of Australia in 2004, I ended up in beautiful Newcastle and decided I wanted to live here. I really wanted to go back to uni but I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do. I had always had a passion for psychology but at the same time, I had been interested in law. When I was choosing course preferences at Newcastle University, I couldn’t decide which one I would rather do. But on looking up postgraduate courses I discovered Forensic Psychology, a discipline combining law with psychology. So I started a Bachelor of Psychology at Newcastle University with the intention to apply for postgraduate studies in Forensic Psychology on completion of my four-year degree.

At the end of my first year at Newcastle, I saw an advertisement for volunteers at CJSN on the psychology notice board. I was really enthusiastic to gain some experience in my field of interest and thought CJSN would be a great start. After completing the course to become a volunteer, I was undecided about whether it was something I really wanted to pursue, but thought it would be a great experience
none-the-less.

My first court support on June the 22nd was with a young girl, Amanda, who suffers from Atypical Autism and had been charged with shoplifting. I was pleased that I was able to meet with Amanda before her court appearance to introduce myself and help her to feel a bit more at ease. On the day of her court hearing, Amanda was very nervous and said she was very grateful that I was there with her. Upon arriving at court it was very confusing finding out where you were supposed to be with so many people waiting for their cases to be heard and the huge line for legal aid! But eventually, Amanda and I were able to get an interview with a solicitor from legal aid who would represent Amanda in court which reassured Amanda of what to expect and what the likely outcome would be.

After waiting for a few hours, it was our turn. I was surprised at how quickly the magistrate came to his decision and thankfully, it was the best possible outcome for Amanda. Amanda is to appear before the Community Panel on the 26th of July where the number of hours and type of community service Amanda must do will be established. The Community Panel will be conducted like a job interview. They try to determine the level of remorse individuals have for their actions and it will give Amanda the opportunity to tell her story and explain why she did what she did. Before Amanda appears before the Community Panel, it is important that we meet up and prepare so she is clear on what is expected of her. If Amanda completes the required amount of community service it is likely that she will not impose a conviction on her criminal record. After completing her community service, Amanda will appear before the court again on the 21st of September were the final outcome of her case will be decided.

My first court support was a great experience and one that I really enjoyed. Amanda was a fantastic client and I was very appreciative to have such a cooperative, bubbly and attentive person with me. CJSN fills a vital gap in the legal system. Helping intellectually challenged people through what can be an overwhelming and intimidating process is very important to ensure that justice is preserved in our legal system. I am honored to volunteer for CJSN and look forward to fulfilling this role for years to come.