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<strong>Self</strong>-<strong>represented</strong> <strong>Litigants</strong> ~ A Challenge: PROJECT REPORT<br />
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■<br />
Peer Support Service has also dealt with people who have not yet filed an<br />
application. May be harder to stay out of the area of giving advice if a<br />
person has not filed an application, could be referred to a CLC, who can<br />
help a person to get things right at the beginning. Avoid the first step being<br />
the wrong one.<br />
(SRL) Guidelines would be helpful – some indication of what a reasonable<br />
outcome will be, how things should work. Why is it all so vague? Issue of<br />
discretionary jurisdiction. And there has been enormous resistance to past<br />
attempts to do this.<br />
4.3 Support<br />
■<br />
One SRL indicated that his initial experience of counter staff not helpful (he<br />
found it to be much better later). He did not get help to fill out forms. He<br />
felt that there was a wrong attitude of counter people when clients are in<br />
emotional state. Other SRLs in the group gave strong support to the counter<br />
staff from their experience.<br />
■<br />
Discussion of government policy emphasis on community – look at the<br />
consequences of this change and ensure the process works better.<br />
Difference in cost to clients but no apparent impact on filings yet.<br />
5 Within FCoA Registries: SRLs<br />
5.1 Information<br />
■ When SRLs approach the FCoA it is imperative that they have access to up<br />
to date, information. More general information sessions should be<br />
conducted by the FCoA on the processes, and the environment of the court,<br />
and include a question time. Use of para professional advice information<br />
■<br />
Access to electronic and other sources of information, explaining the<br />
processes of the court, terminology. Including a "dummies" guide do-ityourself<br />
instruction booklet, and the availability of the FCoA website at a<br />
visible point in the registries, (community service organisations local<br />
libraries) including the following information:<br />
~ Breakdown and handouts re forms and processes<br />
~ Information on the standard requirements and format of documents<br />
~ Step by step clear language and instructions, on protocols and court<br />
etiquette<br />
~ Ensure the information is provided on a continual basis with<br />
appropriate information for each step of the way.<br />
~ Register of available solicitors<br />
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