Children’s Room in the Courts
What We Do
The Children’s Room in the courts serves hundreds of children each month, both from families with court business and jurors, at no cost to caregivers. Since 2001, we have provided over 60,000 children with a safe haven removed from the stress and difficulties of the courtroom. This is the only such service in the country run by a non-profit.
The Room serves infants through teens. We have toys, games, books, crafts, iPads, and video games. We also have a sensory room and an onsite UPMC wellness clinic.
All children who visit the playrooms receive snacks, lunch, and an age-appropriate book to take home and keep. A director, trained staff, and volunteers operate the Room. Allegheny County and the Fifth Judicial Court System of Pennsylvania provides ongoing financial support.
Interested in volunteering with us? Sign up here.
History
When NCJW volunteer leader Natalie Kaplan, wife of the late Honorable Judge Lawrence Kaplan, voiced her concern about children left in the halls of the courthouse while their caregivers dealt with legal matters, we saw a need. The result was the first Children’s Waiting Room, which opened in 1980.
Since NCJW member Jane Lobl established the first waiting room on the dark and smoky sixth floor of the City-County Building, we have opened bright and inviting rooms in the Family Division and Criminal Court facilities. Today, we served both courts from our newly renovated facility in the Family Division building.
the Children’s Room offers free books for every child who uses the facilities, sponsors therapy dog programs, and provides basic clothing and supplies to women and children who come in times of great need. A snack bag filled with healthy foods and treats are available to all children who use the court system.
Testimonials
“The Children’s Room provides an invaluable resource to the clients of the PFA Department. It allows our clients the ability to focus solely on their legal matters and gives them peace of mind knowing that they have someone to supervise their children while they’re dealing with their cases. For the children, a day in court can be stressful and frightening. The Children’s Room affords them a setting where they can feel safe and reduces their exposure to upsetting courtroom events and further trauma.”
“In a place where family dysfunction and trauma are concentrated The Children’s Room provides an oasis of safety and tranquility for the most vulnerable members of our society. Having a safe and secure place for the children while “adult” matters are attended to is essential for the successful operation of Family Court. The dedication and commitment of the staff is immeasurable and should not be overlooked.”
The Children’s Room in the News
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/kd-sunday-spotlight-safe-haven-inside-allegheny-county-family-courthouse/
Our team of dedicated childcare professionals maintain a safe, fun, and trauma-informed environment for all children in their care.
UPMC’s onsite wellness clinic provides parents and children with the care they need when they need it.
Our sensory room provides childred with a safe and calming place to destress.
All children receive a book to take home with them at the end of their stay.
Our newly renovated toddler area provides a nurturing and enriching enviroment for relaxation and play.