Official swearing-in ceremony welcomes Leo, a new facility dog
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), divisions one and two, announced the addition of Leo, a new court dog and facility dog, to the Brisbane registry and swore him in at an official ceremony.
“Leo’s presence will greatly assist children and vulnerable litigants to feel safer and calmer when at court,” said William Alstergren, FCFCOA chief justice, in a media release.
During the swearing-in ceremony, a video introduced Leo and celebrated the courts’ national court dog program’s expansion to Brisbane.
“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,” said Greg Elphinston, Guide Dogs QLD general manager of impact, in the media release.
Guide Dogs Australia trained Leo and his handler and assigned them to the FCFCOA. They received funding from the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) of Queensland and the Queensland Law Society (QLS).
“We are extremely grateful to FLPA, QLS, and the local profession for supporting the introduction of Leo in Brisbane,” Alstergren said.
“FLPA is honoured to have been asked to assist to make this Program a reality in Brisbane,” said Shannon Daykin, FLPA president. “We’re excited to meet Leo and welcome him to the Court.”
“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,” added Genevieve Dee, QLS president.
In the FCFCOA’s media release, Alstergren commended the court dog program’s enhancements to multiple litigants’ interactions with the courts.
Three years ago, the courts launched the national court dog program in Melbourne and Hobart. The courts have since extended the program to Sydney, Parramatta, and Newcastle.
“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,” Daykin said in the media release.
The FCFCOA acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of assistance animals for individuals in various facilities.
The FCFCOA shared that justice facilities are increasingly employing court dogs as a trauma-informed support to address the stress of vulnerable litigants, witnesses, and children participating in judicial processes.
Based on research, the FCFCOA noted that court dogs can help decrease the impacts of cortisol, the stress hormone, and boost oxytocin, which lessens anxiety, keeps thoughts clear, and promotes a sense of calm.
“Dogs are known as humans’ best friends, providing much needed companionship and positive emotional support,” Dee said in the media release.
