The Children's Waiting Room

Not long after the Kane County Judicial Center opened in 1993, it became apparent that there was a need for space in which children who found themselves in the courthouse -because their parent or guardian was a party in litigation or a witness- could go and just be kids. A courtroom is not a place for a child, especially one who is full of energy. Not only do children sometimes disrupt court proceedings, but usually the proceedings in court concern matters which children ought not to hear.

To reduce the impact on court proceedings and the potential trauma experienced by young people, efforts were launched by the Kane County Bar Foundation to identify a place in the Judicial Center to serve as a Children's Waiting Room, similar to facilities offered in other nearby county court houses. Thanks to the cooperation of the Circuit Court judges and the Kane County Board, space in the ground floor-level of the Judicial Center was set aside for construction of the Room.

In 2002, the Bar Foundation began a formal fund-raising drive. By July 2003, nearly $70,000, enough to pay for the construction of the Waiting Room, furnishings, and other start-up costs, were raised from local law firms, community groups, and individuals. Operating costs for the Room are met by a five dollar-per-case filing fee assessed against civil cases in accord with state law.

The Children's Waiting Room provides free, short-term, drop-off supervised care for as many as 20 children, from infant to 12, of persons with business in the Judicial Center or the Third Street Courthouse. The hours of operation will be 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. M-F, with extended hours on Wednesday evening for night court.

The Bar Foundation is proud to have been the moving force behind the Children's Waiting Room. Those interested in making a donation to help support the Room are encouraged to contact the Kane County Bar Foundation.