Under normal circumstances, children ages six (6) and over participate in the child custody recommending (mediation) process. Given the present circumstances, the Ventura County Superior Court has temporarily suspended the participation of children and has closed the children’s waiting room. Children no must wait outside the Courthouse and parties must make their own arrangements for any child care. See exact language below:
The Children’s Waiting Room will be closed until further notice.
Local Rule 9.32(F) is suspended. Children ARE NOT to be brought to
mediation unless requested by Family Court Services or ordered by the
court. If any child is brought to mediation, you must arrange for a
responsible adult to care for the child outside the courthouse until called
into the mediation.