Court-based Programs
DSCV operates a number of programs in conjunction with the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. Suitable cases will be referred to DSCV at court for assessment or mediation. Interested parties can also contact DSCV without waiting for their matter to get to court.
Magistrates’ Court civil program
DSCV provides a mediation service for defended civil claims at some Magistrates’ Courts. This service provides a quick and inexpensive means for the parties to resolve their civil claim without having to go through a court hearing.
The service operates at the following Magistrates’ Courts:
- Claims under $40,000 – Broadmeadows, La Trobe Valley, Sunshine and Werribee
Intervention order program
This is a diversionary program for cases where there has been an application for an intervention order not involving a family member. These are sometimes called ‘stalking’ cases.
The aim of the program is to provide an opportunity for the parties to try to resolve the matter through mediation rather than going to a court hearing.
A Dispute Assessment Officer (DAO) is available at the Magistrates’ Court on the day the case is listed. The magistrate or sometimes the court registrar will refer the parties to the DAO for an intake interview to assess whether the case is suitable for mediation. Many matters are resolved by the DAO on the same day.
This program operates out of the following Magistrates’ Courts:
- Metro – Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Frankston, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Moorabbin, Ringwood, Werribee, and the Neighbourhood Justice Centre
- Regional – Barwon South West, Grampians, Hume, La Trobe Valley, Loddon Mallee
Children’s Court intervention order program
Every Wednesday a Dispute Assessment Officer attends the Children’s Court to interview parties involved in intervention order applications and assess their suitability for mediation. In suitable cases, the parties will be encouraged to try to resolve the matter through mediation rather than going to a court hearing.
Neighbourhood Justice Centre
DSCV provides on-site intake and assessment, as well as mediation, at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) in Collingwood.
The NJC is Australia’s first community justice centre. It operates as a multi-jurisdictional court, including the Magistrates’ Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
DSCV staff at the NJC are also involved in a range of community activities with local organisations, including conflict resolution training.
Visit the NJC website at www.neighbourhoodjustice.vic.gov.au.
