Enabling vulnerable people to access the justice system

People are considered vulnerable when coming to court if they have a difficulty and need extra support. This could be a disability, mental health condition or an experience which has made someone feel unsafe.

The court system has been looking to rebuild and recover following the pandemic, incorporating ways that better serve its users. This has meant examining four core areas to improve access and the experience of vulnerable court users. The aim is to build steps and systems that help promote inclusion.

The steps included looking at these four areas during recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Vulnerable people having the support they need to access and participate in court and tribunal services
  • Services being accessible for vulnerable users during COVID-19
  • Signposting which meets the needs of vulnerable people
  • Collating evidence and identify COVID-19 impacts on court and tribunal users.

This link takes you to the easy-read version of Vulnerability Action Plan update on the GOV.UK website, describing how the HMCTS are going to make coming to court or a tribunal better for vulnerable people.

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