“Using a public health approach, states can implement a continuum of formal and informal community-based prevention and intervention strategies to reach all children and families that need support.” – ZERO to THREE

ZERO TO THREE recently released a new report, Strengthening Families with Infants and Toddlers: A Policy Framework for States, which highlights a continuum of prevention and intervention approaches for promoting strong families with young children. ZERO TO THREE — a national organization that supports parents, professionals, and policymakers in nurturing early development — offers practical strategies for state and local policymakers to promote family well-being and resilience.

The report includes 11 policy recommendations for supporting child- and family-serving systems and enhancing child welfare systems by incorporating family strengthening elements, child development principles, and increasing parent voice. The recommendations are rooted in the accomplishments and lessons learned from ZERO TO THREE’s National Infant-Toddler Court Program.  Their evidence-based Safe Babies Court Team™ (SBCT) approach is targeted to families with children from birth to 3 years of age who are in foster care or at risk of removal and applies the science of early childhood development in meeting the urgent needs of infants and toddlers and strengthening their families so they can flourish. There are currently more than 100 sites implementing the SBCT approach across the country. The program is operating in 31 states, including eight that are implementing a statewide approach at multiple sites.

For more information, check out the Full Report, Executive Summary, and a recorded webinar overview of the report.

Like ZERO TO THREE, Pathways to Resilience is pleased to be working to elevate trauma-responsive policies and interventions that support a culture of healing and resilience for all children and families.