When good intentions are not enough: Professionals’ perceptions of the South Australian communication partner scheme

Children and other vulnerable parties such as those with a cognitive, social or communication impairment frequently struggle to understand, be understood in, the criminal justice environment. One way this has been addressed in jurisdictions around Australia overseas is through introduction of intermediary (or partner) schemes, whereby an independent third party assists witnesses, some cases, defendants, their needs. The South Australian Government introduced trained volunteer partner scheme for defendants prosecution witnesses one element its Disability Justice Plan 2016. However, had relatively limited use ceased operation on 1 March 2020. This study provides qualitative analysis stakeholders’ (N = 23 professionals) perceptions how was implemented, factors that constrained usefulness initiative could improved. Participants highlighted need future service include highly specialized professionals situated within government agency.