The Safe Babies Court pilot program in North Carolina, led by Chief District Court Judge J.H. Corpening II, aims to reduce the time to find permanent homes for infants and toddlers in the child welfare system. Judge Corpening, a trauma-informed judge, conducts meetings with families in a welcoming and empathetic environment to discuss case plans and placement options. The program focuses on reaching permanency faster, preferably through reunification with parents, and has already enrolled families in New Hanover, Yancey, and Mitchell counties.
The program, based on a national model created by Zero to Three, is designed to provide intensive support and accountability to all parties involved in the child welfare system, leading to quicker resolutions. This approach is important as children under the age of three make up a significant portion of the child welfare system and are at risk of adverse childhood experiences.
Optimism surrounds the program, with hopes of showing positive results and receiving state funding for expansion. By the end of the pilot program in 2026, quantifiable data is expected to prove the success of the program, leading to potential statewide implementation to transform child welfare work in North Carolina. Safe Babies Court offers hope for families and children in the child welfare system, providing a new approach to finding permanent homes and reuniting families.
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