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Children's Waiting Room (CWR)

Children's Waiting Room

Location and Hours

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

The Children's Waiting Room is open:

Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. They are closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. 

Please note, staff will request you begin the pick-up process no later than 11:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. to ensure timely closure. 

About the Children's Waiting Room

Cost

The Children's Waiting Room is a free drop-in service for those who are eligible to use it. 

Who can use the Children's Waiting Room?

The Children’s Waiting Room is available to children ages 2-12 years old while their parents or guardians conduct business within the family law courts and the Contra Costa County Public Law Library.

You must be conducting business within the Spinetta Family Law Building (751 Pine Street, Martinez, CA), attending a hearing in Dept. 14 or Dept. 25 at the Wakefield Taylor Building (725 Court Street, Martinez, CA), or be at the Public Law Library (1026 Escobar Street, Suite 2c, Martinez, CA).

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.

Jurors and those with business in Criminal, Civil, Juvenile or Probate courts are not eligible to use the Children's Waiting Room. 

Purpose 

The Children’s Waiting Room was designed to provide a supervised play space for children and to allow parents peace of mind while completing their business in the court. It places their children in a safe and non-stressful play area. The Children’s Waiting Room is staffed and operated by New Hope Academy and has over 20 years of experience in a licensed childcare facility. The staff are trained in CPR, AED, and first aid.

The Children’s Waiting Room 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.

What you need to know.

  • Only children 2 - 12 years old are admitted.
  • If you are using the service for Court, staff will verify your court date prior to allowing your child(ren) to be dropped off. 
  • To visit the Public Law Library, a verification form must be signed by the librarians and returned when picking up your child(ren).
  • The staff will provide water and crackers, free of charge, however any special dietary needs or feedings must be done by the parent/guardian.
  • Restrooms are available inside the Children’s Waiting Room, but the child(ren) must be registered to use it. Care staff do not provide changing services for children who are not potty-trained or assist with bathroom accidents.
  • If your child has a potty or physical accident, staff will contact you on your cell phone (3 tries), or through the court clerk in the courtroom you are attending. 
  • We do ask that children be picked up as soon as your court business is over, as this is a “drop-in” service and others may be on a waiting list for entry into the Children’s Waiting Room.
  • 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 your child causes any unsafe behavior, or exhibits excessive emotional or behavioral problems, the child may need to be picked up by the parent/guardian.
  • For safety reasons, if your child has special needs beyond the staff’s training, your child may not be admitted.

How do I sign my child in?

  • You should allow at least ten minutes to complete the necessary paperwork at registration. You may print and complete the paperwork prior to arrival by using the link below.
  • After completing your paperwork, you will be provided a sticker with a unique identifying number that you must display on your left chest and you must have when picking up your child(ren).

You may download and print the Policies & Parent/Guardian Agreement Form and Emergency Information Form (Registration Forms) by clicking on the following link:

Registration Forms

How do I sign my child out?

The individual who registered the child(ren) is the only person permitted to pick up the child(ren). They must have possession of the unique identifying sticker that allows your child(ren) 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.

Children's Waiting Room 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 the care of the Children’s Waiting Room.
  • 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 to return to the Children's Waiting Room to attempt to pick up children during an evacuation.
  • All registered children 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. The individual who signs the child in will be given a sticker that you will need to pick up your child. Possession of the sticker is MANDATORY for pick up.
  • 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.