New Children’s Court for Broadmeadows

A new Children's Court Family Division complex at Broadmeadows was launched by the Attorney-General, the Hon. Martin Pakula MP, on Friday, 23 October 2015.  

The new court will be a centre for innovation in managing child protection cases for the community of northern metropolitan Melbourne and is the first purpose built court of its type outside the central business district.

Judge Amanda Chambers, President of the Children's Court of Victoria said at the launch, "Today's opening of this state of the art facility, specifically designed to reduce the stress on all those who are obliged to attend, is a tangible reflection of the commitment of many to improve the experience of families and young people involved in child protection proceedings."

"Significantly, the layout of this Family Division complex has been designed in a way which encourages, rather than hinders, less adversarial court processes."

"This court will be a venue of innovation, with a particular emphasis on collaborative and constructive court processes to assist in decision making."

The complex includes some innovative features including:

• two courtrooms specifically designed for child protection cases
• the Cubby House - a secure, child focused waiting room including support for children in emergency care delivered in conjunction with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation
• accommodation for representatives of the Department of Health & Human Services, Victoria Legal Aid and private duty lawyers
• large public waiting areas that provide a sense of privacy and security 
• an outdoor children's play area and a separate quiet outdoor space for adults. 

The new court commenced operations on Monday, 26 October.

Further information about the Children's Court is available at www.childrenscourt.vic.gov.au.