Transforming the lives of babies in child welfare.
Babies, aged 0 to 3, experience the highest rates of maltreatment, and children under the age of 3 enter the foster care system at a rate higher than any other age group. Because of their rapid brain development during this crucial period, the stakes could not be higher for the youngest children entering the child welfare system. But the child welfare system was not devised to support the unique needs of babies or their caretakers. Infant-Toddler Court Teams in communities across the country focus on the development of young children, offer preventive services for families, and address family trauma while ensuring safe and loving environments for young children.