Explore the Children's Court
The Children’s Court of Victoria is a specialist court that deals exclusively with matters involving children and young people. It has two main divisions: the Family Division, which handles child protection and intervention order cases, and the Criminal Division, which hears cases where a child or young person (under 18 at the time of the offence) is charged with an offence. The Court’s focus is on rehabilitation, protection, and the best interests of the child, rather than punishment. Proceedings are less formal than in adult courts, and the Court works closely with child protection authorities, legal representatives, and youth and family support services to reach decisions that promote stability, safety, and positive futures for young people.
The Wyndham Law Courts will include a specialist Children’s Court facility, will open as part of the initial operations, with enhanced services rolling out from July 2026.
Supporting Children and Families
The Wyndham Law Courts are designed with families and children in mind, offering a range of welcoming and supportive features. The facility has been designed to better support vulnerable children, including those in custody, through dedicated infrastructure such as courtrooms adapted for young people, a custody centre with separate holding cells for youth, and a secure waiting space known as the “Cubby House” for children under the protective care of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).
Child-friendly waiting and play areas, including an interactive digital art installation, create engaging and calming environments, while parents’ rooms, outdoor terraces, and winter gardens offer additional comfort and amenities for families and other court users.
Children's Koori Court
A major component will be the implementation of the Children’s Koori Court and Marram-Ngala Ganbu (Koori Family Hearing Day) from July 2026. The Children’s Koori Court adapts the Children’s Court criminal division for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, providing culturally appropriate sentencing processes involving Elders and Respected Persons. The Marram-Ngala Ganbu program operates within the child protection / family hearing sphere, aiming to provide more just, culturally safe processes for Koori families. It includes greater participation of family members, culturally informed decision-making, and referrals to Aboriginal-controlled support services. Evaluation of Marram-Ngala Ganbu to date shows it improves feelings of empowerment, belonging, and outcomes for Koori families engaged in the child protection system.
