Helping Children Feel Seen in the Courtroom
The Case for Toys equips judges with thoughtfully prepared Cases that help create small moments of trust, dignity, and connection for children in court.
Why This Matters
Children who appear in court are often carrying fear, confusion, and uncertainty. Courtrooms can feel formal and overwhelming, especially when a child does not fully understand what is happening around them. The Case for Toys equips judges with thoughtfully prepared Cases filled with age-appropriate items that can be offered to children during court proceedings.
A simple toy or comfort item can create a moment of calm, helping a child feel seen, heard, and safe enough to begin trusting the judge in front of them. These small gestures create moments of dignity and connection in places where children can feel especially vulnerable.
How It Works
How a simple moment can help a child feel seen in court
Through partnerships with civic organizations, faith communities, businesses, and individuals, we equip judges with thoughtfully prepared Cases so they can create moments of joy, comfort, and connection for children in their courtroom.
A Child Comes to Court
Children entering court are often overwhelmed and unsure what is happening around them.
A Judge Offers a Toy
Judges use the Case at their discretion to offer a small toy or comfort item, creating a moment of calm and connection.
A Child Feels Seen
That simple moment of joy can begin to build trust and help a child feel noticed, supported, and less alone during a difficult experience.
A Moment That Matters
A child walks into a courtroom unsure of what will happen next.
The room may feel unfamiliar and formal, filled with adults making decisions they may not fully understand.
In the middle of that uncertainty, a judge can pause and offer something simple and kind: a small toy from a Case.
It may seem like a small gesture, but in that moment, something changes.
A moment of joy becomes a moment of connection. The child feels seen, noticed, and reminded that they matter.
That moment can begin to build trust between a child and the judge in front of them.
That moment is what The Case for Toys is all about.
The Need Across Nebraska
Across Nebraska, children appear in both county courts and separate juvenile courts.
The Case for Toys equips judges with Cases they can use wherever children come before them.
~4,000
Nebraska children
in foster care
16%
of youth in foster care
attended court hearings
93
counties across
Nebraska
40+
judges to equip
One clear way to help
$1,000
supports one courtroom
for a full year.
Civic
Organizations
Service clubs and community groups can help bring awareness, resources, and volunteers to children in court.
Faith
Communities
Churches and faith groups can sponsor Cases, host toy drives, and support local courtrooms.
Businesses
and Foundations
Businesses can provide funding, supplies, or sponsorship support as Cases expand across Nebraska.
Individuals
and Families
Individual supporters help create moments of joy, comfort, dignity, and connection for children.