What is Safe Babies Court in Kitsap County?
Safe Babies Court is a Kitsap County Juvenile Court program for families in dependency with children birth to 48 months old. Safe Babies Court is a therapeutic court program that is focused on using the knowledge of early childhood development to meet the needs of the children/families in the child welfare system. The goal of SBC is to ensure healthy development and lasting permanency for each child. This is accomplished through collaborative and proactive teamwork, frontloading of services, more frequent contact, and intensive services specific to the unique needs of each parent child.
Benefits parents receive by participating in Safe Babies Court?
- More frequent Family Team Meetings and Court Review Hearings
- Working closely with a dedicated team of child welfare professionals
- Advocating for more Family Time to promote healthy attachment and bonding
- Knowledge and use of early childhood education and infant mental health
- Intensive services that address the personal needs of each family
Who qualifies for Safe Babies Court?
To qualify for Safe Babies Court at least one child in the family must be 0-48 months old at the time of the dependency filling. They must have at least one parent who is willing to participate in Safe Babies Court. The parent must be willing to agree to an Order of Dependency. All potential cases must be staffed and approved for entry into Safe Babies Court prior to the entry of the Agreed Order of Dependency for the case to be eligible. Once the child enters program, they remain in the program until permanency is reached with the primary goal of the child(ren) returning home.
What it takes to get started or get further information?
The Community Coordinator will receive a referral or will track incoming petitions that could be good fits for Safe Babies Court. The Community Coordinator will then contact the parent’s attorneys and introduce Safe Babies Court and the details of the program. The Community Coordinator will attend all court hearings to track cases and promote Safe Babies Court. The Community Coordinator will invite the parent attorney to next scheduled staffing either the first or third Thursday of the month. Legal parties will attend, determine eligibility, and acceptance into Safe Babies Court during staffing.
When is Safe Babies Court?
Court will take place on the first and third Thursday of the month at 3:15pm. The third Thursday of the month will be reserved for new families entering the program to sign in any new cases and enter agreed order of dependency.
Questions about Safe Babies Court (SBC) please contact the Community Coordinator:
Madison Allen
Safe Babies Court Program Coordinator
Kitsap County Juvenile and Family Court Services
Cell: 360-979-7706
Desk: 360-337-5480
mtallen@kitsap.gov
Resources and Further Information:
KITSAP – Safe Babies Court Parent Postcard
KITSAP – Safe Babies Court Brochure
