Summary
Blurred Borders Queensland resource kits are sets of plain English cards and stickers that help people understand the law and their legal rights. They can be used by lawyers and community workers.
Blurred Borders Queensland
Blurred Borders Queensland project provides a set of accessible plain English resources designed to help people understand the law and their legal rights, and was adapted for Queensland by Legal Aid QLD.
The resource kits have been designed for use by a wide range of service providers across the legal, education, health, public administration and community sectors. They contain story cards, stickers and process maps that use visual art and plain English to explain legal concepts. There are 3 different sets of story cards covering bail and criminal process, family violence, and health and feelings.
By using visual storytelling and plain language, the resources break down legal concepts and help people communicate more effectively about the law. They help clients make informed legal choices and actively take part in legal processes.
The kits were primarily designed for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but they can be used with:
- young people
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- people with low literacy
- people with disability including cognitive impairments.
The Blurred Borders Queensland resource kits have been designed to be used by:
- lawyers
- paralegals
- community workers
- frontline community service providers helping people engaged in the justice system in Queensland.
Best Practice Guidelines include:
The materials can be most appropriate and effective when applied and adapted by, and with, people who best know the local, cultural context in line with these principles:
- Put people and communities at the centre
- To map out legal processes, stories and concepts
- As plain language communication tools
To contact the community legal education team email: cle@legalaid.qld.gov,au
Click on Blurred Borders Queensland to find out more and access the resources and available free training. Some of the resources can now also be downloaded as well.
The resources were adapted by Legal Aid Queensland from the original Blurred Borders project, created by Legal Aid WA and NT Legal Aid Commission.