Therapy dog Poppy sworn into Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

There’s a new full-time employee helping the course of justice in Australian courts. She’ll be able to lend a helping paw to those in need of support.

A furry friend has been welcomed into courtrooms for the very first time.

Poppy the therapy dog was sworn into the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia today.

She now works full-time in the Courts’ Melbourne registry as part of the Court Dog Program which launched today.

The Courts’ see nearly all of Australia’s family law cases, including disputes related to children and property/finances, and issues related to family violence and child abuse.

Given the stressful nature of these settings, Poppy’s presence can be a source of comfort and emotional support for those in court.

Litigants and children involved in family law proceedings will be able to receive support from the canine employee, who has been fully trained as a court facility dog.

The Hon Will Alstergren AO, Chief Justice of the Courts, said the labrador will offer significant benefits for those engaging in the court system.

“A professionally trained facility dog can provide support to people experiencing stress and offer a positive and calming distraction to an overwhelming situation,” he said.

“Poppy will help the court experience be more trauma-sensitive and enable people to find their voice, furthering the administration of justice.”

Poppy was sworn in by the Hon Will Alstergren AO today.

Poppy will be able to lend a helping paw in courtrooms, foyers, waiting areas, and mediation rooms.

She’ll also have the opportunity to work during Court Children Services interviews of parents and children.

Her employment comes after a successful pilot program featuring court dog Lucy. The trial program ran between November 2022 to February 2023 in the Victorian Courts of Public Prosecution.

A survey found 100 per cent of respondents agreed that clients felt supported by the presence of a court facility dog.

It also found that all respondents would like the ability to request a court facility dog if they attended court again.

Dr Russell Harrison, the General Manager for Dog and Vision Services at Guide Dogs Victoria, offered his assurance Poppy was perfect for the role.

Poppy has been fully trained as a court facility dog.

Poppy was accompanied by Chief Justice Will Alstergren, John Digby KC, and Judge Amanda Mansini.

“Some dogs like Poppy have the perfect nature and training to offer support as a Therapy Dog, placed in unique situations to provide companionship and offer emotional support to those in need,” he said.

“I have worked with Poppy to ensure she’s up to the task, and I know she will have an incredibly positive impact on the wellbeing of people navigating the Family Court system.”

The labrador has also been welcomed with open arms by the Victorian Bar Foundation, with the Chairman, the Hon. John Digby KC, adding that Poppy is a “most worthwhile initiative”.

“The Victorian Bar Foundation is confident that Poppy will be a supportive and calming presence within the Court for those Victorian families facing the difficult and stressful experience of a family law dispute.”

Hobart seems to be next in line, with Hon Alstergren AO confirming the Courts’ Hobart registry is planning for court dog Zoey to begin work later this year.

He said he was confident the programs will be extended nationally soon.