Children's Waiting Room

The Children's Waiting Room (CWR) is a safe and supervised environment for children ages 3 - 14 years old to wait while their parents or guardians attend hearings or conduct business with the court. The CWR has games, toys, books, movies, puzzles, crafts and healthy snacks - all free of charge.

Depending on staffing, a maximum of eight to ten children are allowed in the CWR at one time.  When the waiting room is at capacity, no further children will be accepted until space becomes available. Priority is given to children participating in Child Custody Recommending Counseling (also known as child custody mediation) and who are witnesses.

The policies and procedures outlined below are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

• Ages: CWR is available to accommodate children between the ages of 3 to 14 years old. Children must be fully potty-trained and able to use the restroom without assistance. Children wearing pull-ups or diapers are not considered fully-potty trained.
• Registration: Parents/guardians will be asked to complete a registration form and present a valid government issued photo identification upon arrival.
• Food: Children will be given a healthy snack. Food allergies or dietary restrictions should be discussed with the CWR staff. The CWR closes during the lunch hour from 12:00 - 1:15 pm.  Lunch is not provided.
• Behavior: Children must be able to follow basic directions. If the child causes any unsafe behavior, or exhibits excessive emotional or behavioral problems, the child may need to be picked up by the parent /guardian.
• Health: All children need to be healthy to use the CWR. Children must be free of lice or any illness that is contagious. Any child showing signs of lice or illness will not be allowed into the room for their protection, and for the safety of other children. If your child has a medical condition that may require attention, please inform staff immediately. Those who need professional medical help may need to find alternate care.
• Stay on Site: Parents/guardians must stay inside the court facility at all times while children are in the CWR.
• Pick-up: Children must be picked up by the person who brought and registered the child or an authorized responsible adult identified at the time of drop off, unless otherwise ordered by the court. Children must be picked up as soon as court business is over, as this is a “drop-in” service and others may be on a waiting list for entry into the waiting room. Children should be picked up by 11:45 am for the morning session and by 4:45 for the afternoon session.
• Valid Photo I.D.: Parents/guardians, and anyone designated to pick up the child, must have a valid government issued photo I.D. or the child may be refused.
• Hours: The Children’s Waiting Room is open from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Location:  Hall of Justice - 800 South Victoria Avenue, Room 306, Ventura, CA 93009