Policy Resource
Restructuring the Child Welfare System
This brief explores how to improve the safety, permanence and well-being of infants and toddlers in the child welfare system.
Although the developmental impact of child abuse and neglect is greatest among the very young, research confirms that the early years present an unparalleled window of opportunity to effectively intervene with at-risk children.
Intervening in the early years can lead to significant cost savings over time through reductions in child abuse and neglect, criminal behavior, welfare dependence, and substance abuse. In view of the rapid rate of development for infants and toddlers, the substantial damage they can sustain in a short time, and the bleak outlook for long stays in out-of-home care (which amount to a substantial portion of their lives), it is critical that Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the states act now to ensure that the unique needs of this vulnerable group of children are met. Download the full brief for a list of our policy recommendations.
Downloads
Read more about:
You might also be interested in
-
Webinar
Webinar: Sustainability Planning for Infant-Toddler Court Teams: Policy and Financing Strategies
Strategies to sustain by addressing both policy and funding for Infant-Toddler Court Sites and States
-
Webinar
Sustainability Planning for Infant-Toddler Court Teams
Explore lessons learned from sustainability and implementation planning efforts.
-
Webinar
Creating Meaningful Family Time for Young Children and Parents: A Judge’s and Attorney’s Role
Judges and attorneys play a crucial role in the advocacy of meaningful family time for parents and children who are separated due to child welfare involvement.
