About

Early Childhood Courts are sometimes called Baby Court

Michigan’s Early Childhood Courts (MECC), affectionately known as Baby Court, is part of a national network of Infant-Toddler Court Programs. ECC utilizes the Safe Babies Model, a program of ZERO TO THREE that uses a team-based approach driven by attachment theory and the science of early brain development. The goal of ECC is to ensure that children under the age of three who are in the child welfare system grow up in permanent, nurturing homes that support optimal development and that biological parents, whenever possible, are the young child’s permanent caregivers.

Michigan’s Early Childhood Courts is a specialized problem-solving court that supports infants and toddlers, prenatal to age three, who have experienced maltreatment and are in the child welfare system. This age group is particularly vulnerable to the effects of trauma and maltreatment. Interventions during this critical period can have a significant positive impact on their development and future outcomes. The court recognizes the importance of consistent and sensitive attachment figures in the development of infants and young children. This approach is based on attachment theory and the science of early brain development, and the goal is to minimize developmental delays, reduce time in care, and prevent multiple entries into foster care.

History

Michigan’s Baby Courts have been in existence since 2005. Today Baby Courts exist in Midland County and Wayne County (which is a part of this grant) Through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) grant, we have been able to expand into St. Clair and Saginaw Counties. The goal of Early Childhood Courts is to ensure that children under the age of three who are in the child welfare system grow up in permanent, nurturing homes that support optimal development and that biological parents, whenever possible, are the young child’s permanent caregivers.

Health Resources & Services Administration Grant

Michigan was awarded a grant from HRSA to implement the Infant-Toddler Court Program (ITCP) which aims to improve the well-being of infants, toddlers, and their families through research-based court teams. It focuses on families facing child maltreatment due to poverty or health challenges. By partnering with courts, child welfare agencies, Infant Mental Health, health practitioners, and family support providers, ITCP helps families access resources for safe and healthy relationships. The program also assists states and communities in developing equitable services and systems that prioritize families and their decision-making.

More Information

For additional information about Michigan’s Early Childhood Courts, please download our ECC Infographic (PDF).