A new court dog, Leo, has joined the Brisbane registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) to help reduce stress during court proceedings.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1 and Division 2 (‘the courts’)) has welcomed court dog “Leo”, a new facility dog, to the Brisbane registry, as part of the courts’ National Court Dog Program, following a “swearing-in” ceremony on 13 October.
The addition of Leo to the Brisbane registry follows the success of court dogs in other courts around the country, as reported here and here.
Speaking about the National Court Dog Program, the Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Honourable William Alstergren AO, said that real and significant improvements had been made to the experiences of many litigants since it commenced in Melbourne and Hobart three years ago.
“We are extremely grateful to FLPA, QLS, and the local profession for supporting the introduction of Leo in Brisbane. Leo’s presence will greatly assist children and vulnerable litigants to feel safer and calmer when at court,” His Honour said.
Guide Dogs Queensland general manager of impact Greg Elphinston said: “We’re proud one of our exceptionally talented dogs will be helping children at a time of vulnerability, putting a positive tint on lifelong memories and improving outcomes for families.”
Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) president Shannon Daykin said that the FLPA is proud to help bring this outstanding program to the Brisbane registry.
“The National Court Dog Program has made significant impact to help adults and children feel more supported, comfortable, and less anxious when attending court in other states. FLPA is honoured to have been asked to assist to make this program a reality in Brisbane. We’re excited to meet Leo and welcome him to the court,” she said.
Queensland Law Society (QLS) president Genevieve Dee said the QLS is incredibly proud to be supporting the National Court Dog Program.
“Dogs are known as humans’ best friends, providing much-needed companionship and positive emotional support. Courts can be particularly stressful places for families and children. We know that Leo will provide much-needed comfort and support to our most vulnerable court users, and we look forward to welcoming him to the courts,” she said.
Leo and his handler were expertly trained and matched to the courts by Guide Dogs Australia, FCFCOA said in a statement, and were proudly funded by the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) of Queensland and the Queensland Law Society (QLS).
Assistance animals are “widely acknowledged” as having positive therapeutic benefits for people in a variety of facilities, the court continued, noting that in the justice setting, Court dogs are increasingly being utilised as a trauma-informed support for vulnerable litigants, witnesses, and children, by reducing the stress of engaging with court processes.
The court went on to note that research indicates court dogs help reduce the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases a human’s heart rate and blood pressure, and increase oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and improves a person’s clarity of thought and sense of calm.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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