Consultation for Registered Intermediaries in Civil and Family Proceedings

Registered Intermediaries were introduced in the criminal justice system in 2013. They help ensure vulnerable defendants and witnesses with communication challenges can properly participate in proceedings by advising those working in the system how best to communicate with a vulnerable person so they understand and can respond to what is being asked.  The Department of Justice recognises the critical role Intermediaries have played in ensuring effective access to justice and recognises there may be merit in also making Registered Intermediary support available to vulnerable citizens involved civil and family cases and is seeking views on the proposals and how a scheme might operate to best effect. 

We would encourage you to respond to the consultation using the on-line facility on Citizen Space, accessible via NI Direct.  Further information on how to respond is included at the end of the document.