Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Futures: A Judge's Guide

• NCJ Number: 231278
• Author(s): Eva J. Klain, J.D.; Lisa Pilnik, J.D., M.S.; Erin Talati, J.D., M.D.; Candice L. Maze J.D.; Kimberly Diamond-Berry Ph.D.; Lucy Hudson M.S.
• Editor(s): Claire S. Chiamulera
• Date Published: 2009
• Length: 160 pages
• Grant Number(s): G96MC04451
• Sponsoring Agency: Maternal and Child Health Bureau
• Corporate Author: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families; American Bar Assoc
• Sale Source: American Bar Assoc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Handbook
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This guide provides judges with comprehensive information on the health needs of young children within the child welfare system and within the context of permanency decisionmaking.

Abstract

Divided into five chapters, this guidebook is offered as tool to judges and provides a comprehensive resource of information about the health needs of very young children in care within the context of permanency decisionmaking. Beginning with a review of Federal laws and programs, the guide chapters include: 1) meeting the needs of very young children in dependency court; 2) promoting physical health; 3) addressing early mental health and developmental needs; and 4) improving the court's response. The intent of the guide is to help judges ask the right questions, require the necessary health-related information, and make the life-altering decisions that meet the unique health needs of very young children in the child welfare system. If judges know the science of early child development and act on it, they can help ensure healthy growth and development. Endnotes, references, and index