Early Childhood Court - FAQs

What is the difference between Early Childhood Court and dependency court?

Early Childhood Court is a specialty division within dependency court. It provides a collaborative, therapeutic, problem-solving team approach with the goal of timely permanency for each child. The Court conducts a hearing once per month to monitor the case to address the children’s needs and ensure the child(ren) and parents are being provided appropriate services. In addition to the court hearing, there is a Family Team Meeting once per month allowing participants greater access to services and extra help achieving the goal of reunification.

What is the criteria for a family to be accepted into Early Childhood Court?

• A family under the jurisdiction of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Dependency Court
• Child(ren) between the age of zero to three years old
• Preference for the parents and child(ren) to reside in Polk County for services to be provided
• Child has to be removed from at least one parent

What is the process once I’m accepted into Early Childhood Court?

• Upon meeting with the Early Childhood Court Coordinator to discuss the program an arraignment hearing to address the acceptance to the program, during the arraignment the parties will meet with the ECC judge and their consent will be accepted and their disposition will be held.
• Maintain contact with case management, the Early Childhood Court Coordinator, and Guardian ad Litem (if appointed)
• Attend monthly court hearings and Family Team Meetings
• Attend Child Parent Psychotherapy or a similar approved program
• Engage and complete case plan tasks

What is the role of the Early Childhood Court Program Coordinator?

• Complete intake screening
• Facilitate Family Team Meetings and attend court hearings
• Assist in engaging the parents throughout the process

Who serves on the Early Childhood Court team?

• Early Childhood Court Judge
• The Parents of the child
• Early Childhood Court Coordinator
• Case Manager
• Guardian ad Litem (if appointed to the case)
• Attorney ad Litem (if appointed to the case)
• DCF Attorney
• Child serving agency's
• Parent service providers
• Caregivers
• Parent supports

What is Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)?

Child Parent Psychotherapy is an intervention model for children aged 0-5 who have experienced at least one traumatic event and/or are experiencing mental health, attachment, and/or behavioral problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder.