11-year-old Rowan* walked quietly into the Cubby House at Broadmeadows Children’s Court, refusing to look anyone in the eye. Rowan, who had been dealing with a chaotic home life, was there for an emergency care hearing to determine whether he needed to be removed from his home and placed in emergency care for his safety.
For children like Rowan, Cubby House is designed to offer comfort and calm when experiencing difficult family circumstances at the Children’s Court.
Rowan’s situation at the time was unsettling. His father struggled with substance abuse, and his mother was no longer part of his life. The turbulence at home had wide-ranging impacts on Rowan. He stopped attending school regularly, could no longer sleep through the night, and struggled with mood swings and his mental health.
The instability at home meant that Rowan was facing the prospect of being placed into out-of-home care – a transition that left him feeling vulnerable and anxious.
A positive environment away from the stress of court
As Rowan entered Cubby House, Youth Worker Anna greeted him with a warm smile and a gentle approach. Rowan’s eyes wandered around the room, avoiding direct contact as he took in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Anna said, "I could see that he was a little shy and uncertain. In these circumstances, it's really important to give them space so they can adjust to the new environment in their own time."
The room was decorated with vibrant colours and filled with cosy bean bags, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a temporary escape from the stress of the court environment.
Rowan first chose to sit quietly, watching television to distract himself from the situation. To develop a rapport with him, Anna suggested a game of UNO. As they played, Rowan’s guarded demeanor began to soften. The game provided a simple, yet effective distraction, allowing him to be more in the moment and connect with the Youth Worker.
As they engaged in conversation, Anna discovered Rowan’s passion for writing comics. She offered him pens, pencils, and paper, allowing him to channel his emotions into something creative.
Anna began to notice a subtle change in Rowan’s behaviour. His body language relaxed, and his eye contact became more frequent. This shift was a small but significant indication that Rowan was starting to feel more at ease. Anna praised his writing skills, and Rowan’s face brightened with a genuine beaming smile.
"It was great to see Rowan have such a positive reaction to hearing praise about his work. But it also made me think that he hadn't heard many compliments or good things said to him - possibly for some length of time," said Anna.
Providing a sense of safety and normalcy at court
Anna’s interactions with Rowan were more than just about passing time; they were about helping him feel safe and giving him a sense of agency in a situation where he felt powerless. She emphasised the importance of Rowan’s voice being heard, ensuring he knew that his opinions and feelings mattered during the court process.
For Rowan, Cubby House was a place where he could experience kindness, safety, and a sense of normalcy amidst the devastating change. The care and attention he received from the Youth Worker at Cubby House played a crucial role in helping him navigate one of the most challenging times of his young life.
Learn more about how Cubby House supports children and young people within the court environment.
*This story is a true account, but the names have been changed to protect Rowan’s privacy.
