ecc.flcourts.govEarly Childhood Courts

Florida’s Implementation Standards Helpful Resources ECC Manuals by Site About ECC ECC Manual Contact Us Search Search Search Opinions Search... Search Online Docket Improving outcomes for infants and toddlers in Florida’s dependency court Implementation Standards Helpful Resources ECC Manuals by Site About ECC ECC Manual Contact Us Menu Search Early Childhood Court addresses the root causes of justice system involvement through specialized dockets, multidisciplinary teams, and a nonadversarial approach. Offering evidence-based treatment, judicial supervision, accountability, while being child development and infant mental health informed, early childhood courts provide individualized interventions for families, thereby reducing recidivism and promoting confidence and satisfaction with the justice system process. Click here to watch a short documentary that highlights the nine best practice standards for Early Childhood Court. Best Practice Implementation Standards Target Population Eligibility and exclusion criteria Risk and need Criminal history disqualifications Clinical disqualifications Commentary Disadvantaged Groups Equivalent access Equivalent treatment Commentary Roles and Responsibilities of Judge/Magistrate Professional training Length of term Consistent docket Frequency of status hearings Judicial demeanor Judicial decision-making Permanency planning Commentary Child-Parent Therapy Assessment Evidence-based treatment Provider training and credentials Treatment intensity and duration Commentary Additional Treatment and Social Services Assessment SAMH treatment Case management Post reunification treatment & supports Commentary Family Time Adherence to family time protocols Commentary Multidisciplinary Team Team composition Community coordinator Family team meetings Team communication & decision-making Status hearings Team meeting Commentary Caseloads Caseload Commentary Monitoring and Evaluation Adherence to best practices Program monitoring Independent evaluations Disadvantaged groups Comparison groups Commentary I was able to complete inpatient treatment, parenting courses, and lots of visitation with my little ones. I just reached six months of sobriety and full reunification with my children in June. I owe a lot of that to ECC for believing I could be the best parent I could. I am forever grateful for this program – for they truly care – and are not just there because it’s their job.” – From an Early Childhood Court Graduate We know that if we can address these problems early in the first 1000 day of life, the chances of having a healthy well-adjusted child later on is enhanced.” – Senior Judge Lee Haworth, 12th Judicial Circuit Florida Courts ©2024...