Help! I've Been Subpoenaed

Facilitator
Paula Ross

Date
Thu 30 September
Time
9:30am–4:30pm (6 PD hours)
Location
Online

Early bird
$450, ending Mon 30 August
Single
$530
Group (5+)
$430

Who should attend
Alcohol and other drug practitioners, counsellors, case managers and other health and community service workers who may be asked to provide records, prepare reports or give evidence in court.

Get court ready and feel more confident responding to subpoenas, report requests and giving evidence

Being subpoenaed can feel daunting, especially when you are unsure what the court expects, how your records might be used or how to answer questions without stepping beyond your expertise.

This one day workshop gives alcohol and other drug practitioners practical knowledge and skills to prepare for court, respond appropriately to subpoenas and present your work clearly and professionally if you are called to give evidence.

Through case note and report writing exercises, expert witness scenarios, discussion and courtroom practice, you will work through what happens before and during a court appearance and how good documentation can support you long before a subpoena arrives.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to

• Understand relevant parts of the Australian legal system and recognise different contexts in which practitioners may be called to give evidence
• Distinguish between factual evidence and expert opinion and recognise the limits of your expertise
• Develop clear, accurate and professional case notes that are better prepared for legal scrutiny
• Apply practical principles for writing reports for court and communicating professional opinions clearly
• Respond appropriately when you receive a subpoena for documents or to give evidence
• Apply practical courtroom communication skills, including responding to examination and cross examination with clarity and confidence

About the facilitator: Paula Ross

Paula is one of Australia’s most experienced alcohol and other drug workshop facilitators, with 25 years’ experience across hospital, community and private settings. A practising psychologist with postgraduate qualifications in counselling psychology, Paula has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by alcohol and other drug workers and tailors her workshops to ensure actionable strategies to improve client outcomes.