The Children’s Rooms provide free, on-site child care for children whose parents or guardians must attend court to protect children from being exposed to potentially traumatic courtroom testimony or behavior.

The rooms are welcoming environments that are cheerfully decorated and child-centered.  Employees are experienced professionals in early childhood education, early childhood development, social work, etc., who are trained to respond compassionately to children whose experience with the court can involve highly charged emotional issues.  Volunteers and interns assist staff in the supervision of the children. 

An array of books, toys, games, movies and other activities give children of different ages the freedom of just being children as their parents or guardians attend court matters.

Every child admitted to the Children’s Rooms is provided with routine childcare services. This includes age and developmentally appropriate activities. The use of imaginative play, conversation, art and other forms of self-expression diverts attention to a more positive frame of mind. Snacks are provided based on the dietary needs of the child.

The Children’s Rooms also benefit parents and guardians, and the court system as follows:

• Parents or guardians are able to focus solely on legal matters.
  (Please note - these rooms are not available for children of jurors or court employees.)
• The judiciary and court employees are better able to address cases that involve children without their presence in court.
• Parents or guardians have peace of mind knowing they do not have to leave their children unsupervised in corridors of the courthouse.

The Children's Rooms Program of the Circuit Court of Cook County was awarded the 2002 Urban Innovations in Illinois Award.