The New Jersey Safe Babies Court Team (SBCT) uses the science of early childhood development to improve outcomes for New Jersey infants, toddlers, and families involved in the child welfare system.
SBCT collaborates with child welfare stakeholders, parents and caregivers, and community partners to ensure safety and access to high-quality, trauma-responsive services, as well as promote lasting permanency.
Why is this program needed in New Jersey?
More than 6500 children in New Jersey were living in foster care in 2020, and more than a quarter of them were younger than three years old.
A child’s first three years are the most important in their life for brain development and building emotional connections. It is a time when healthy, stable relationships are critical, and when the targeted, compassionate interventions can make a lasting impact.
It’s our goal to ensure that these children are surrounded with the compassion, support, and resources they need at this critical time in their lives. We do everything in our power to help families and caretakers get on track, and to ensure that children are settled as quickly as possible in a stable, loving home where they can thrive.
Where will this program be taking place?
Passaic, Essex, and Hudson counties were awarded to be the first three sites in New Jersey to pilot the SBCT program. We hope to expand the program into additional counties in the near future.
We’re taking a public health approach with our work, helping communities build the needed supports for families so that children can remain at home safely.
– JANIE HUDDLESTON, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL INFANT-TODDLER COURT PROGRAM, ZERO TO THREE