Juvenile Court - Care proceedings

What do I do when I get to court? | Who will be in the courtroom? | How should I behave in court? | What happens in the courtroom?

The Juvenile Court deals with applications made by the Department of Health and Social Security regarding the care of persons under the age of 18 years.

Respondents or parties in care proceedings (e.g. parents) will receive a copy of the application endorsed with the time and date of the court appearance. Respondents are advised to consider getting legal representation in such cases

How do I get to court?

The courthouse is located on Deemsters Walk, just off Bucks Road. More information can be found here.

What do I do when I get to court?

Please turn up to court promptly and, if possible, shortly before the time stated on this sheet.

When you arrive at the courthouse you will have to go through security. Once you have passed through security, you should go to the main courthouse reception. The receptionist will tell you which courtroom your case is in and where to wait.

If you have instructed an advocate you may wish to speak to him/her before entering court

When it is time for your case to be heard, the court usher will call you. You will be shown to the appropriate place, where you will remain while your case is heard by the Magistrates

Who will be in the courtroom?

The Juvenile Court is a ‘closed court’. You should expect to see the following people in the courtroom:

Magistrates;
court clerk;
court usher;
advocates for each party;
the other parties;
the advocate appointed on behalf of the child/children; and
the guardian ad litem (independent expert appointed to represent the best interests of the child/children).

It is very unusual for a child, being the subject of the proceedings, to be present in the court in this type of case. An older teenager may wish to be present but the permission of the court would need to be given for this to occur.

What should I call the judge?

The Magistrates are referred to as:

‘Your Worships’

or if addressing the chairman of the bench (the magistrate in the middle),

‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’

How should I behave in court?

Please switch off or silence your mobile phone or pager before coming into the courtroom. Items such as video cameras, tape recorders, radios or other electronic equipment are not allowed in the court room.

You must stand while addressing the judge, or if they are addressing you, unless you are seated in the witness box. When you are standing, do not fold your arms across your chest or put your hands in your pockets. You must be polite at all times, never shout or use vulgar expressions or interrupt someone else while they are speaking. You must remain calm; everyone will get their turn to speak. Do not interrupt the judge; be aware if you are rude to the judge, you may be charged with contempt of court.

If you wish to hand any documents to the judge you must ask for permission. You must then hand them to the court clerk or usher, who will then pass them to the judge.

What happens in the courtroom?

These types of proceedings can be complicated and therefore it is advisable for persons appearing in the court as a party to the proceedings to be legally represented by an advocate. If persons are representing themselves, the court will explain the procedure that will be followed at the hearing.

Please be aware that, under section 27(4) of the High Court Act 1991, all court proceedings are digitally recorded. For further information please refer to our In-Court Technology section.