Co-Design in the National Legal Assistance Sector
The With You training was developed through a review of domestic and international literature; best practice in the legal assistance sector; and national consultations with 534 people across Australia.
With You training was designed in partnership with people receiving and delivering legal assistance services. It is the first national co-design project in the legal assistance sector.
A total of 463 individuals participated in focus groups or interviews and 71 responses were received through an online survey. This included 195 lawyers, 98 clients with lived experience; 23 carers, families, supporters and kin; and mental health professionals.
Training has been informed by all parts of the legal assistance sector. Consultations included Legal Aid Commissions, Community Legal Centres, Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services. With You consulted with lawyers, support staff and allied professionals in crime, civil and family jurisdictions. Members of the judiciary and Mental Health Review Tribunals shared their perspectives.
Consultations spanned all states and territories and included both metropolitan and regional areas. The perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, LGBTIQ+ and young people were reflected. Critically, the perspectives of hard-to-reach groups, such as people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and compulsory mental health system, were included.
