The Client Support Officers (CSO) is the key cultural interface between Aboriginal Community members, VALS’ lawyers’ and the court. The CSO’s specialist non-legal role helps address barriers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people face in engaging with Criminal, Family and Civil Justice processes. VALS offer specialist CSO support in each legal practice, most notably across the  Criminal, Family legal streams across Victoria. The CSO works as a part of a multi-disciplinary team with lawyers, paralegals and other CSOs and administrative officers. Acting as the interface between clients, lawyers’ and court personnel to support the client to understand and navigate court proceedings and attend court as required, the CSO will assess clients’ non-legal needs, and offer referrals or further support where appropriate. 

Following a brief assessment  the CSO provides short term intensive case work, whilst ensuring active/warm referrals for ongoing case management as needed. The CSO will work with external agencies as part of a care team to address clients non legal needs. 

VALS have CSOs that support both the Family and Criminal legal services. 

The Criminal based CSO will work alongside the VALS Criminal lawyer to support the client with non legal needs whilst they are engaging with the criminal justice system. This can include referrals to support services, cultural connections, and be the link between the client and their lawyer. Criminal CSOs provide holistic support services for clients, ensuring the best possible outcomes are achieved.

The Family based CSO works alongside our Family legal practice, they can support clients and family members with non legal needs, this can include referrals to support services, engaging with the Child Protection, Intervention Orders, and the Family Law system. The Family CSO offers holistic supports to wrap around the clients to ensure the best outcomes can be achieved. 

If you would like support from the CSO team, please get in contact with the local VALS office.