Why You Should Arrange Childcare Before Going to Fresno's Courts (M Street, Jail Annex, Juvenile)
Headed to court in Fresno with kids? Arrange childcare before you go. The M Street Courthouse, Jail Annex criminal departments, and Juvenile Justice Court all post the same recommendation: make childcare arrangements in advance.
The Fresno Superior Court's location page for the
The Jail Annex criminal courts post the same message. For Departments 95 and 96, the court says you're strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements. Need to confirm something directly? Dept. 95: 457-6358. Dept. 96: 457-6359.
Juvenile Justice Court posts the same advisory - you're strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements if you have business there. Line up care before you arrive.
“You are strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements if you have business at the ‘M’ Street Courthouse.”
“You are strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements if you have business at Departments 95 or 96.”
“You are strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements if you have business at Juvenile Justice.”
Practical Steps Families
- ✓ Arrange childcare before you go to the “M” Street Courthouse.
- ✓ Arrange childcare before you go to the Jail Annex for Criminal Courts Departments 95 or 96.
- ✓ Arrange childcare before you go to Juvenile Justice Court.
- Check which court location you’re going to - The hours and contact options aren’t the same across locations, so start by confirming whether you’re headed to M Street, the Jail Annex (Dept. 95/96), or Juvenile Justice.
- Call during the location’s posted public hours - M Street Courthouse hours are listed as Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm. Jail Annex Departments 95 & 96 list Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm. Juvenile Justice Court also lists Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm.
- Use the direct department numbers for Jail Annex questions - For Dept. 95, call 457-6358. For Dept. 96, call 457-6359. This can help you confirm what you need to know for that department before you lock in childcare.
Court calendars can shift, even with a solid plan. Have a backup caregiver ready and keep their number handy so you can pivot if you're delayed. For general court information, call Fresno Superior Court at (559) 457-2000.
Verify ahead of time if childcare depends on tight timing - like a sitter who can only cover a certain window. Fresno Superior Court's general information line is (559) 457-2000, and the main address is 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724-0002. Call during posted business hours for the best chance of reaching someone who can help.
For Jail Annex criminal departments, contact the department directly. Dept. 95: 457-6358. Dept. 96: 457-6359.
Note: The court pages say you are “strongly encouraged” to arrange childcare, but they do not say whether on-site childcare is available.
Note: The same pages do not spell out whether children are permitted in courtrooms or waiting areas at these locations.
The court doesn't recommend childcare providers or explain anything about cost, supervision, or responsibility - just that you should arrange care before you go. Treat it as a planning requirement: line up care you trust, confirm timing, and double-check any court instructions that could affect how long you'll be there.
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