WA’s first Justice Facility Dog to start at Perth Children’s Court

Young victims of crime and witnesses will soon have access to some canine comfort when WA’s first Justice Facility Dog starts official duties at the Perth Children’s Court.

Winston, the five-year-old black Labrador, has been trained by Guide Dogs WA to interact gently and calmly with victims, witnesses and other court users to reduce the stress and anxiety commonly experienced in the courthouse environment.

He and his handler will attend the Children’s Court two to three days a week from, Tuesday September 21, as part of a 12-month pilot program to assess the viability of extending the service, including to other WA courts.

Department of Justice Director General Dr Adam Tomison said facility dogs used in a range of legal settings internationally and other Australian jurisdictions have been highly successful in reducing anxiety in people interacting with the justice system.

“Reducing stress for victims, witnesses and other court users provides the dual benefit of making the justice system more trauma sensitive for vulnerable people, and increases engagement with court processes, which improves efficiency,” Dr Tomison said.

“The Department of Justice is committed to improving outcomes for victims of crime, witnesses and other vulnerable people engaged with the justice system. Achieving this requires a range of targeted interventions across the justice system.”

The pilot program will cost $97,000 and is being managed by the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime.

(L-R) Department of Justice Director General Dr Adam Tomison; President of the Children’s Court of WA, His Honour Judge Hylton Quail; Anna Presser, Guide Dogs WA CEO, Victims of Crime Commissioner Kati Kraszlan, with Winston. PIC: Supplied

Guide Dogs WA selected Winston for this role based on his skills, abilities and personality. Winston has a reputation as a ‘happy’ dog, characterised by the fact his tail is almost constantly wagging.

His handler has tertiary qualifications in social work and animal ethics. She also has a professional background in child protection and experience working in the Children’s Court. 

Winston and his handler will operate in the public waiting areas of the courthouse or private witness waiting areas. They will not enter the court room or remote witness facility while court is in session. 

People can touch, pat and interact with Winston if they choose to.

If a person is upset or anxious the dog can provide comforting body pressure by placing its head on their lap or lying on their feet. 

The handler and dog will never approach anyone directly without their consent.

Public signage will inform court users of the dog’s presence each day and advise them to inform staff if they are afraid of the dog or do not wish to be near it.