New Dandenong Children’s Court designed for children and families to feel safe and welcome

The new specialist Dandenong Children’s Court on Bunurong Country, was officially opened on Friday 16 June by Victorian Attorney-General the Hon. Jaclyn Symes MLC.

The new court will hear child protection and intervention order matters as well as criminal matters including bail and remand hearings, committals, youth diversion and Children's Koori Court cases.

Dandenong Children’s Law team Deputy Managing Lawyer Ellyse Borghi says it has been great working at the new court since the first sitting day on Monday 19 June.

‘It’s a beautiful building. The space has been designed with lots of natural light – when you look out the windows you see trees and nature, rather than the urban streetscape.’

Improving access to justice for children, young people and families

Importantly, the opening of the new facility takes children, young people and families out of the adult court system. This is an important step for improving the safety, experiences and outcomes of our most vulnerable court users.

‘Having children’s cases heard in a dedicated facility, with magistrates who are familiar with both legal and developmental needs of children is best practice. It also helps ensure outcomes are focused on rehabilitation, prevention and diverting children away from the criminal justice system,’ says Ellyse.

The new court will also help meet growing demand in the south-east region. Its central Dandenong location is very accessible and close to many local services including those supporting youth and families from multicultural communities.

Supporting First Nations families

Ellyse says a really thoughtful design element is the artwork throughout the building, with murals by Kobi Sainty, a Bunurong and Palawa man and First Nations visual artist.

‘The artwork represents local Aboriginal culture and is specifically designed to connect with families and across generations.'

First Nations people are too often failed by our justice system. There is ongoing work to be done in the justice system to acknowledge the impact and ongoing injustices to First Nations families, and to work toward reconciliation.

Ellyse says the court has been set up from the start as a place to make First Nations families feel safe and welcome.

‘It has also been specifically designed as a children’s Koori court, including being able to have smoking ceremonies in the court itself. This is the first known court to have this capability and a great way to embed culture.’

Human-centred court design

Elements of the court have also been developed around the concept of human-centred design. Reducing physical barriers, for example through having low counters instead of high ones, enables connection and facilitates accessibility.

‘When you can see more of the person in front of you, this helps to build trust and rapport, which is important for improving clients’ experience of the justice system,’ says Ellyse.

Another example of human-centred design is the Cubby House – a secure, purpose-built waiting space for children in the care of the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing (DFFH).

Introducing the new Children’s Law team at our Dandenong office

Like other metropolitan specialist children’s courts, the Dandenong court is being served by a mix of in-house and panel practitioners, as well as South-East Monash Legal Service providing family violence intervention order duty lawyer services.

To support our work in the new court, a dedicated Children’s Law team, including lawyers and administrative staff has been established at our Dandenong office. Working alongside the team is an Independent Family Advocacy and Support (IFAS) advocate, who supports parents and primary carers in the early stages of child protection involvement.

Establishing the new team enables us to provide holistic legal services across practice areas, so that our young clients can benefit from having the same lawyer for criminal and child protection proceedings.

Our team is led by Ellyse and Lucy Andressen, who job-share the Deputy Managing Lawyer role. Team members bring a range of experience, including specialist experience in children’s law, as well as broader experience in criminal and family law.

Ellyse says she enjoys using her skills to support children and families in a way that is really meaningful.

‘The importance of family is enormous. The relationships between parents, children and their extended families are essential to individuals and to our society.

‘Being able to spend my days working to support families to navigate the legal system and access the support they need to enjoy their family life is really valuable to me.’

More information

Read Court Services Victoria’s story about the new court.