The purpose of the Children's Waiting Room (CWR)

The Children's Waiting Room is a free drop-in service designed to provide a supervised play space for children ages 2-12 years old while their parents or guardians conduct business with the court. The CWR provides parents with peace of mind by allowing them to complete their business while placing their children in a safe and non-stressful place to play. A maximum of twelve children are allowed in on a first-come, first-served basis. When the waiting room is at capacity, no further children will be accepted until space becomes available.

The CWR has many games and toys, movies, puzzles, and books to read. There are supplies for arts and crafts; the staff can help children with their crafts. The staff will provide water and crackers, free of charge, however any special dietary needs and feedings must be done by the parent/guardian.

• The court provides this service for parents conducting business in the Spinetta Family Law Building, 751 Pine Street, Martinez, California.
  
  
• Parents attending Family Law hearings in Dept. 14 and Dept. 17 at 725 Court Street, Martinez, California can also utilize this service.
  
  
• NOT ELIGIBLE: Jurors and those with business in Criminal, Civil, Juvenile or Probate courts are not eligible to utilize the Children's Waiting Room.

CWR Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm

Spinetta Family Law Center
751 Pine Street, Room #201 on Second Floor
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 608-1000

Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays): Filing Clerk windows open to the public at 8:00 AM and close at 4:00 PM.

What you should know before bringing your child

• Only children 2 - 12 years old are admitted.
• Children should eat and use the restroom before they are brought to the Children's Waiting Room (restrooms are available inside the CWR, but child must be registered to use it).
• You may not leave courthouse for any reason without first picking up your children.
  
  Safety First:
  • Children over the age of 5 years old who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be required to wear a mask while in the care of the Children’s Waiting Room.
  • If your child has a potty or physical accident, the staff will get a hold of you either on your cell phone (3 tries) or via the court clerk of the courtroom you're attending.
  • Children must be free of lice or any illness that is contagious. Any child showing signs of lice or illness will not be allowed into the room for their protection, and for the safety of other children.
  • If the child causes any unsafe behavior, or exhibits excessive emotional or behavioral problems, the child may need to be picked up by the parent / guardian.
  • Reasons your child may not be admitted:
    • Special needs beyond our staff's training
    • Fever
    • Lice

CWR Security and Safety Policy

The security of children and families visiting the Children's Waiting Room is our highest priority. We appreciate your cooperation in following the policies listed below:

• Children will be released only to the individual who signs them in unless otherwise directed by Court Administration or Sheriff Office staff.
• The individual who signs the child in must always remain within designated Family Law court buildings while the child is in care.
• When checking children in, individuals may spend a few minutes to help the child adjust, but for the safety of other children we cannot allow you to go into the caregiver space.
• All adults must follow court designated evacuation procedures. If an evacuation occurs, parents are to immediately evacuate the building and go to the designated evacuation area. Parents are not return to the Children's Waiting Room to attempt to pick up children during an evacuation.
• New Hope Academy staff reserve the right to request photo identification at any time.
• Failure to comply with the policies as outlined will result in court notification and potential restriction of future use of the children's waiting room.

Who is caring for your child?

The staff has over 20 years of experience in a licensed childcare facility and is trained in CPR, AED, and first aid.

English and Spanish speaking

How do I sign in my child?

• You should allow at least ten minutes to complete the necessary paperwork at registration.
• The child must be picked up by 11:45 am and 3:45 pm.
• Children must be picked up as soon as court business is over, as this is a “drop-in” service and others may be on a waiting list for entry into the waiting room.
• Children must be picked up by the person who brought the child/ren.
• All children registered will get a sticker with their name on it; it will be placed on the back of their shirt so the staff can call them by name.

Registration Form and Contract

To speed up your registration time, please have the registration form and contract filled out prior to your arrival at the Children's Waiting Room. Please click on the following link to download the registration form and contract.

Click Here for the Registration Form

How do I sign my child out?

The parent/guardian who registered the child will also get a sticker with a unique identifying number that allows your child to be picked up. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU DO NOT LOSE YOUR STICKER, it's the only way the staff knows your child belongs to you.