Early Childhood Courts (ECC) address the root causes of dependency court system involvement through specialized dockets, multidisciplinary teams, and a strengths-based collaborative approach. Offering evidence-based treatment, judicial monitoring, and accountability, these courts provide individualized interventions for families with young children, thereby improving child safety and well-being.
2022 Judicial Training Academy on Reasonable and Active Efforts
![2022 Judicial Training Academy on Reasonable and Active Efforts 2022 Judicial Training Academy on Reasonable and Active Efforts](https://www.wacita.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Picture3-1-e1650496718267-270x270.png)
Family & Youth Justice Programs, in partnership with the Capacity Building Center for Courts, presented the Washington Active and Reasonable Efforts Judicial Academy in the Spring of 2022. This two-day, virtual training was offered twice, first on March 31-April 1 and again, April 14-15, with a maximum registration of 16 judicial officers per day. This training was specifically designed for state court judicial officers who hear dependency cases and included numerous simulation mock decision-making exercises.
Washington ICWA Court Summit – October 25, 2021
On October 25, 2021, the Washington ICWA Court Summit will be held online. This is a joint effort of the National Council of Family & Juvenile Court Judges, Casey Family Programs and the Family & Youth Justice Programs.
Teaching the Hulk Tetris – Understanding Trauma and the Importance of Self-Regulation
This presentation explores the connection between trauma and negative life outcomes through a foundational understanding of the neurophysiology of the human stress response and how trauma is “stored” in the body. It takes a deep dive into the role of the central nervous system in an individual’s ability to cope with stress and the numerous implications this has for their short-term and long-term wellness. A parent who successfully navigated the child welfare system brings the science and her lived experience together, providing practical tools for helping clients and professionals avoid “hulking out.”
New Resources for Dependency Fact Finding and TPR Trials
As courtrooms are starting to open up more, and many courts are using a hybrid model allowing some participation remotely, the attached sample documents may be a good resource in preparing for Fact Finding and Termination of Parental Rights trials. The Child Welfare Committee of the Board of Judicial Administration Court Recovery Task Force created three sample documents (see attached), which have been endorsed by the Task Force: SAMPLE Pre-Trial Order for Remote Dependency Fact Finding or TPR Trials….
Dependency Practice Tip: Strengthening Parent-Child Visitation During Child Welfare Proceedings – HB 1194 Changes to Law and Practice
HB 1194 makes significant changes to the court’s role in ordering visitation with the goal of providing the maximum parent, child, and sibling contact possible, while keeping the child safe. A statute-by-statute overview of these changes is provided, along with resources and implementation information.
HB 1194 Training – Strengthening Parent-Child Visits During Child Welfare Proceedings
A training and Q& A session on the new Family Time visit requirements created by HB 1194 was held on July 21, 2021. The session was recorded and can be viewed on this website. Q&As from the session will be posted soon.
2021 Judicial Academy on Reimagining Justice in Child Welfare and Dependency Court
COVID-19 Impact on the Mental Health of Children and Youth in Care
Childhood health experts are deeply concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has serious consequences for children and youth, delaying their cognitive, emotional and social development. Children in foster and relative care, who have experienced abuse or neglect and the trauma of removal, are likely to experience disproportionately more significant behavioral health impacts from the pandemic. Resources are available to understand the behavioral health impact and support the well-being of children and youth in care.
New DCYF Family Time Guidance for Making Temporary, COVID-Related Changes to Court-Ordered Visits
DCYF and court partners worked with DOH to develop new in-person Family Time guidance that directs parties in every case to work together to reduce the opportunity for viral transmission during visits by creating Temporary COVID Aware Family Time Plans. The guidance does not eliminate in-person Family Time, due to the vital importance of keeping families connected during the pandemic. If parties cannot agree on a temporary plan, the issue will be brought to court.