Children struggling with the stress of the courtroom can count on the support of a furry friend as they navigate Victoria's legal system.
Poppy, a fully-trained black Labrador, was officially sworn in on Wednesday as the first official therapy dog at the Federal Circuit and Family Court's Melbourne registry.
Kids and other litigants can call on her for a calming pat in the courtroom as well as in waiting areas, mediation rooms and during interviews.
Poppy was being trained at Guide Dogs Victoria when therapy dog specialist Elisha Lamont spotted her potential as a courtroom canine.
"We have so many lovely dogs that come through that, whether for reasons of temperament or health, may not be fitted to be a guide dog but make really wonderful therapy dogs," she told AAP.
The court environment poses a unique challenge to therapy dogs, as people who are going through a particularly emotional time tend to be less aware of their behaviour and can be prone to patting more intensely or crying louder than a dog is used to, Ms Lamont explained.
"So what I'm looking for is a dog that is very comfortable being handled, so they're not sensitive being patted on their head, they're comfortable being patted all over their body and not shy with different sounds," she said.
"Poppy has got a very lovely, calm temperament so from the moment I met her, I knew that I wanted her for something special.
"She loves to just press her head on your feet or just cuddle up. Especially when you've got people who are going through a really stressful experience, it's so grounding for them."
Poppy's introduction follows a successful pilot program involving another pooch, Lucy, who was loaned to the court by the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions.
The trial's participants agreed Lucy was a positive, supportive presence in court and they or their client would appreciate having a dog like her in court again.
Poppy's presence will help the court experience be more sensitive to trauma and enable people to find their voice, furthering the administration of justice, says Chief Justice Will Alstergren.
"Backed by behavioural science and the experiences of courts all around the world, the benefits to litigants will be significant," he said.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court's Hobart registry will welcome its own therapy dog, Zoey, in coming months and Justice Alstergren is confident more courts will follow their lead.
While this is the first time therapy dogs have been used in the Federal Circuit Court, local courthouses in NSW have been using canine companions to alleviate anxiety since 2017.
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Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
