The Island's new Family Court turned into a "meat market'' this week with youngsters on display for anyone who entered or passed by its new location.

Angry parents and concerned residents yesterday told The Royal Gazette they were disturbed by the lack of space and privacy at the court on the ground floor of the Government Administration Building on Parliament Street.

"People were coming in and out of the building. It felt like we were on show.

It was like a circus,'' said a frustrated mother who asked not to be named.

"It was like walking through a maze. The waiting area, which is private, was full.

"There were people standing and sitting in the public area. This was supposed to be more private (then the former Wesley Hall location).

"But there were Police going in and out of the building so everybody (visiting other departments in the building) knew why we were there.

"Some were saying it was worse than Magistrates' Court. They are putting our business on the street.'' The woman, who calculated that she had to wait for some two hours before her son's case was called on Wednesday, said: "People did not know when they would be called in''.

She said she did not believe the cases were being handled alphabetically.

She noted that at the old Family Court location there was a waiting room downstairs of the church and no one was allowed to enter the (court) room until they were called.

"And,'' she said, "the church had other things going on, so the public did not necessarily know why we were there.'' Not only was the new court full, but it was full of children under 14 years old, she said, estimating that at least 20 children were there.

When contacted by The Royal Gazette yesterday, Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said it was the first time he had heard the complaint and promised to pass it on to the appropriate authorities.

He said the situation may require the installation of screens in the building.

And Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis, who is Family Court Magistrate the Wor. Edward King's superior, admitted that there was a space limitation problem at the new court.

"It may be good if Mr. Edness and Cabinet can think about trying to provide a little more waiting space so the juveniles and other young people can have more privacy,'' he said.

"That is one of the most busiest buildings in Hamilton. It may have been something that people did not think about.'' Mr. Francis noted that those who accompany the juveniles to court, including parents, guardians, and probation officers, add to the crowded conditions.

He said the court may consider having the youngsters wait in the waiting room and the accompanying adults wait in the Government Administration building hall.

Responding to the lack of privacy complaint he said: "There's all kinds of reasons that a person could be going to court and the fact that one is seen sitting or about to enter a court does not imply that one is a criminal.

"One wonders just what could be done. People are seen going and coming from Supreme Court. This is no difference from what happens on divorce court day.'' But Prison Fellowship executive director the Rev. Glenn Caines, who was at the court on Wednesday, said he was very "disturbed'' by the situation which did not reflect the purpose of the court.

"When I walked into the lobby of the building, I saw the door marked Family Court. But what I saw did not represent the family,'' he said.

"I could not understand how we ended up with so many young people at one time in such a public place.

"This was a public display, even on the verandah. Anybody who had business there had to go by all these folk and more than that we're talking about our young people.'' Rev. Caines, who noted that he was off the Island when the "Blow the Whistle on Violence'' conference was held, said if the problems experienced on Wednesday were not anticipated, it was "a serious indictment on the Island's leadership''.

And he added: "I'm blowing the whistle on a violation of people's rights.

"We're talking about our citizens of tomorrow.'' Rev. Caines said many of the youngsters at the court -- some dressed in school uniform and honour students -- were there for incidents that took place more than six months ago and that were totally out of the character.

"These young people have gone awry mainly from behavioural, not criminal problems,'' he added.

"Family court should be a solace, a feeling of protection and safety. There should be an atmosphere of security, of comfort, of relief in every process of family court.

"When you parade our young people up and down Parliament Street like criminals, that is not doing anything but giving young people a reason to rebel.'' Rev. Caines suggested that the court, to avoid a repeat of Wednesday's episode, could: Improve its administration of the court calendar; Allow the juvenile panel to become a circuit panel; and/or Hold family court sessions in each parish or at least three different areas.

Rev. Caines also said he had several questions about the running of the court and he would be looking further into the matter.

Mr. King could not be reached for comment.