Court Support Program

 Community Justice Groups (CJGs) were established in Queensland in 1993 to respond to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Their main goal is to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system.

CJGs support their communities across various stages of the justice system, including prevention, early intervention, court support, custody, and reintegration.

CJG Program contribute to achieving short, medium and long term outcomes: 

Short Term: • Court decisions are culturally informed; • Stakeholders work with community members in culturally responsive ways; • Issues of law and order are addressed in a way the community understands and links law and lore;  • People receive culturally appropriate services to address underlying needs; and • People in contact with the justice system know what is happening and know what to do. 

Medium Term: • Cultural safety, rights and interests of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are supported in the justice system; • People in contact with the justice system have confidence in the system; • People address underlying needs that contribute to or are related to offending; and • Communities have a say in how victims, offenders and their families are supported in their interactions with the justice system.  

Long Term: • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander overrepresentation in and contact with the criminal justice system is reduced. 

 We offer a range of support services to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people navigating the justice system, including but not limited to:

• Active advocacy in courts, with letters of community support from local Elders and community members
   
• Connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies for confirmation of decent
   
• Assistance with completing forms for ATSILS and Legal Aid
   
• Men’s and Women’s support groups
   
• Referrals to external support agencies to help with meeting court requirements
   
• Transport to and from court
   
• Food vouchers