Early Childhood Court
The Early Childhood Court (ECC) program is a specialized, trauma-informed court initiative focused on the unique needs of children under the age of three involved in the child welfare system. ECC is designed to promote healthy child development, support family healing, and ensure timely, stable permanency through a collaborative, non-adversarial process. The program aims to improve child safety and well-being, heal trauma and strengthen the parent-child bond, and break the intergenerational cycle of abuse and neglect. Currently, ECC supports families in Polk County, Florida.
Services
we offer
- Monthly court hearings to review case progress
- Monthly multidisciplinary team meetings with families, case managers, the court, Guardian ad Litem, and service providers
- Evidence-based parent-child therapies and developmental supports
- Frequent parent-child contact to foster healthy attachment and healing
Who is eligible?
- Cases involving children under 5-years-old and often stemming from substance abuse, domestic violence, and household violence
- Families residing in Polk County, Florida
Cost
There is no cost to families in this program.
Referrals
Determined by a collaborative consult with court administration, One Hope United, and Florida Department of Children and Families.