QAI takes out Outstanding Initiative Award for disability Justice Support Program

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Queensland Advocacy Incorporated’s Justice Support Program has won the Outstanding Initiative award as part of Disability Action Week. Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Disability Services presented the award to the organisation late last year.

The Justice Support Program offers free, around the clock, support and information for people with disability who are a victim or witness a crime, accused of a crime or going to court and need support. JSP also supports people with a disability who are in police custody after hours and need support and legal advice.

JSP also works with family members, friends or disability workers assisting someone dealing with the police or courts. Police officers, solicitors and other agencies in the criminal justice system also use the service.

Program co-ordinator, Roy Bunnett, says "People with a disability are stabstancially over represented in the criminal justice system. Going through court is scary enough for the average person, for a person with a disability the process can be completely over whelming. The support offered by JPS can be make all the difference to the client, their family and the community as a whole."

JSP is offered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It relies on staff and volunteers to support people in need. The program aims to offer non-legal support until the matter is resolved. It also facilitates an after hours bank of lawyers who are offer advice over the phone to clients while they are at the police station.

The award reflects Queensland Advocacy’s commitment to justice and human dignity through the Justice Support Program. They were nominated for the award by the Queensland Division of National Disability Services.

For more information about QAI and its work check out www.qai.org.au or call 1300 130 582.