Safety and Security

Everyone who attends the Court and works on its premises should be safe. If you have safety concerns about coming to Court please contact staff to discuss what arrangements can be made in your circumstances.

If you have an urgent safety concern you should contact police.

Condition of entry

It is a condition of entry to Victorian Court premises to undergo security screening. Your belongings will be required to undergo x-ray screening and you will be required to pass through a metal detector. If you are unable to walk through the detector due to a physical disability or medical implant please tell the security officer and they will assist you. Evidence of an implant may be required. Court security screening is very similar to security screening at airports.

At peak times some delays may occur. Please do not bring metal objects or dangerous items that will slow screening.

COVID-19 directions

The Children’s Court of Victoria remains open and operational at all venues.

All staff and judicial officers of the court have been briefed on individual measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading. Excellent hand hygiene, staying home if unwell, and social distancing are all measures that are recommended to stay healthy and reduce risk.   The Court has provided extra hand sanitisers throughout Court buildings and cleaning of all surfaces has increased. The Court has also introduced some changes to queuing at counters which will encourage appropriate distancing.

Entry to Children’s Courts is restricted in order to protect the safety of all persons at Court premises and for the good order and management of legal proceedings. Entry to Children’s Courts will be permitted in accordance with the attached Notice.

Wherever possible, court users are not to appear in person but rather by audio visual link (AVL) or by telephone. Please contact the relevant Children’s Court Registry to discuss arrangements.

Dangerous items

Dangerous items are not permitted in the building. Dangerous items include knives, weapons, tools, box cutters, scissors, pressurised gas cans, inflammable liquids, needles, explosive substances, toxic substances or chemicals and items that could be used as a weapon.

Possession of prohibited items such as knives and weapons will result in police attendance.

Audio and Visual recording devices

Unauthorised use of audio and visual recording and data storage or transmission devices are prohibited. Mobile phones may be used in public areas only. Photography is not permitted on Court premises.

Legislation

The Court Security Act 1980 provides a range of offences including for the possession of dangerous items and harassing or intimidating behaviour on Court premises.

Assistance

If you have any concerns about safety or security please contact a court registry staff member or a security officer.