Children's Court of Queensland - Who May Attend

Who May Attend

Generally children's court cases are held in a closed court, although criminal offences dealt with by indictment are held in open court. This is against the usual principle that all common law courts are open to public, and reflects that children are being dealt with inside the court. Cases are held at different times to any other case being heard by the court on the day.

At a hearing, the following people may attend

• the child;
• their parent or other adult member of the child's family;
• a witness giving evidence;
• a person whose presence will provide emotional support to a witness;
• certain welfare services; and
• any other person who the court believes should be present.