Contact: Jennifer Honig

412-977-7703

Children’s Rooms in the Courts Celebrates 30 Years

Program Provides Free Childcare for Parents Doing Business in the Courts

PITTSBURGH, April 20, 2010 –The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Pittsburgh Section is pleased to announce that the Children’s Rooms in the Courts are celebrating 30 years of providing a safe and fun play space for children away from the emotionally charged legal system. Presently about 5,000 children are served by the three Children’s Rooms in the Courts – the Jane B. Lobl Children’s Room which supports Juvenile and Family Courts, the Criminal Court Play Room, and the Municipal Court Play Room. Parents involved in court proceedings such as divorce, custody, mediation, support, domestic violence or criminal issues can leave their children at the Children’s Rooms and focus on the business at hand. In addition, The Children’s Rooms also accommodate sitting and prospective jurors' children. This service provides parents with a free childcare option as they work within our legal system.

“The matters we deal with in the courts are serious and dramatically impact the people involved. Taking children out of the equation as we deal with these issues is critically important. The Children’s Rooms provide an invaluable service to the parents, children, and legal personnel involved so that we can get our jobs done. We thank NCJW for their commitment and hard work. 30 years is something to celebrate,” commented Judge David Wecht, Administrative Judge of the Family Division, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

“Prior to the Children’s Rooms in the Courts, the hallways were filled with unruly children and frantic parents as they waited for their turn in front of a judge. Thirty years ago at the suggestion of Judge Lawrence Kaplan, his wife Natalie approached Dorothy Raizman and Jane Lobl about the need for a place for children to be while their parents were conducting business in the courts. NCJW provided the resources, volunteers, and political and social will to remedy the problem. The Children’s Rooms were born and we are thrilled that NCJW has been able to continue and expand the program,” stated Susan L. Nitzberg, President of the National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section.

While at the Children’s Rooms, a child is provided with crafts, puzzles, games, computers, toys, and video games with which to play. A nutritious snack and lunch are also served. Each child receives an age appropriate book to take home. Newborns through teens are welcome. The Children’s Rooms are run by staff and volunteers who possess Pennsylvania clearances and are trained in childcare, safety and security measures. “I cannot thank the Children’s Room staff enough for watching my daughter while I was at court. I don’t know what I would have done without this service,” stated a grateful parent.

Allegheny County Courts partners with the National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section in the operation of the Children’s Rooms in the Courts. The Advisory Committee of the Children’s Rooms in the Courts advocates and champions the program. Members include judges, administrators of the courts, lawyers, and others who advocate for children’s issues.

For additional information regarding the Children’s Rooms in the courts visit our website at http://www.ncjwpgh.org or contact Ellen Siegel, director, at 412-350-4588. Volunteers are always needed for this important service; please contact Ms. Siegel if you would like to volunteer.

About National Council Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section

The National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for all women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. NCJW’s nonsectarian community service projects including: Suit Yourself Voucher Program which provides free business clothes to individuals re-entering the workforce, Children’s Rooms in the Courts which are safe, fun environments for young children while their parents/caregivers tend to family court matters, Silent Witness Initiative that raises awareness of domestic violence, Pic-A-Bag which provides essential supplies to children who are removed from their homes and Batch Packs (with support from Steeler Charlie Batch) which provides new school supplies to children in need. The Pittsburgh section of NCJW was established in 1893. For more information on NCJW Pittsburgh Section, please visit www.ncjwpgh.org or call 412-421-6118.

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