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Children at court

Dedicated children’s rooms (Back to top)

PECS have trialled child specific rooms at Sheffield Magistrates Court to provide a softer environment for children, and to promote interaction between the staff and child.

The rooms are furnished with robust coloured weighted chairs and tables, child-focused artwork, and colourful walls, designed to provide an environment which will support interaction.

Following the success of this trial, and positive acknowledgment by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons, a further 20 rooms will be introduced in 2025.

Making court appearances less daunting (Back to top)

To support a child friendly approach, PECS suppliers are expected to facilitate a child’s hearing in the well of the court, rather than the dock. This provides the opportunity for greater support from the child’s family and more relaxed proceedings.

It is recognised that finding the right balance between appropriate support and maintaining security cannot be absolutely defined, it is therefore essential that there is timely engagement with both HMCTS and the Judiciary, to risk assess and agree a plan to safely manage these requirements on a case-by-case basis.

By adopting this approach, it ensures the needs of the child is central to the decision-making process.

Therefore, when a Judicial request is received to hear a child’s case in the well of the court, the following actions will be completed:

  • Every request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis prior to the hearing.
  • PECS suppliers shall produce a risk assessment based on the requirements defined by the courtroom and practice guidance.
  • The risk assessment, identification of any supporting security arrangements and concerns must be collaboratively explored between all parties to conclude and agree the outcomes.
  • It is not an option for family members to sit in the dock with the child where risk assessments conclude that the child cannot be supervised in the well of the court.
  • Current arrangements defined through enhanced care remain in place to enable this to be delivered.

Advocates (Back to top)

Advocate/intermediaries may be arranged and invited to attend the criminal proceedings for young people and those that may have specific communication needs.

Their role is not to represent individuals during court proceedings but to provide impartial information that may help them understand what is happening by re-phrasing any questions that they may have trouble understanding or advise individuals how best to phrase questions which may help them understand/answer.

Advocates will also advise when they think individuals may need a break – based upon their individual needs. Advocates will be admitted to court custody suites as professional visitors and all normal security requirements will apply (including when accompanying the child in a dock).