The latest Today’s Family Lawyer Podcast turns its attention to a role that is often misunderstood and undervalued in the courts system; that of intermediaries.
Intermediaries play an important role in supporting better, and more informed participation in courts.
Rachel Cohen, director at the Intermediary Cooperative and a communication specialist, joins host David Opie to discuss the work of intermediaries in supporting witnesses, parents and participants whose communication needs make the court environment overwhelming
Cohen brings more than a decade’s experience to the role which in her words is “really narrow and very specific… simply to ensure that everybody understands what a person’s communication needs are and how most effectively they can interact with that vulnerable person.”
The discussion highlights a shift in judicial awareness. Neurodivergence, brain injury, developmental language disorder and situational communication difficulties are now better recognised, but assumptions still creep in. Intermediaries are still left out of ground rules hearings, despite this being the very stage where their input can prevent later disruption. “It’s a brilliant time and opportunity to plan… when we’re not invited, we can be kept out of the loop.”
How can the criminal and family courts best work with intermediaries? Early engagement, says Cohen. Late referrals, sometimes just days before a hearing, leave little time to build rapport, assess fluctuating communication needs or simplify documents into accessible formats. The result can be adjournments, inefficiency and avoidable stress for vulnerable court users.
With further insight into vulnerability, neurodivergence and participation measures the podcast reminds family lawyers that participation is not a luxury, but a legal necessity.
The Today’s Family Lawyer podcast is available on your preferred podcast provider and at www.todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk.
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