Zero to Three Court Teams ($300,000)
This project would support a multidisciplinary court team in Hawaii to raise awareness, increase knowledge and skills, and change practices regarding the needs of maltreated infants and toddlers and their families involved in the child welfare system.
The goal of the court team would be to bring the science of early childhood development, skills, and services to juvenile and family courts. The team will monitor infants and toddlers in foster care, ensure that assessments and services are provided, and seek to achieve permanency for the child in a timely manner.
Zero to Three, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers, and their families, will provide training, technical assistance, and materials to the team and the larger community.
Recipient: Zero to Three
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: In a recent Child and Family Services Review, Hawaii was included in a list of 25 states that are failing to provide sufficient physical and mental health services. Without adequate assessment and treatment of the developmental and social problems endemic to children who are experiencing maltreatment, the consequences will go unchecked and lead to academic, professional, and personal problems that will plague these victims of abuse throughout their lives.
Recovery Benefits for Hawaii 
Early Education 
Community Features 
Health Care Reform 
Congress On Your Corner 
