The Dependency Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit oversees children and their families to monitor safety as parents complete court-ordered tasks and ensure children reach permanency. Early Childhood Court (ECC) is a problem-solving court within dependency that addresses child welfare cases involving children under the age of three. ECC is based on the science of early brain development and aims to provide appropriate services and practices to the most vulnerable children. The goal of Early Childhood Court is to improve child safety and well-being, heal trauma and repair the parent/child relationship, promote timely permanency, and stop the intergenerational cycle of maltreatment. ECC involves a multidisciplinary team led by a Circuit Judge, including child welfare professionals, clinicians, attorneys, a guardian ad litem, and a court program coordinator to support families involved in the program. Several members of the team are engaged in social work practices, including the court program coordinator who connects with community partners, identifies service gaps, locates resources, and supports families and team members within the program.
Special Placement Information:
MSW 1st year students, MSW 2nd year, and Advanced Standing Clinical Students, (Clinical) Part-time BSW, Part-time MSW. The student will need to provide their own transportation to travel to the courthouse and the child welfare agency that serves families within Early Childhood Court. Both locations are accessible by bus. There is minimal to no travel, and liability insurance is not required. Video and audio recordings are not permitted unless the intern receives written permission from the families and staff. Work hours at the courthouse are 8 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday. Weekends and evenings are not available.