Fort Bend County Court Team for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers

ZERO TO THREE proposes to continue the Court Team for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers in Fort Bend County, Texas. In operation since 2005, the goal of the Fort Bend County Court Team is to enhance the capacity of the 328th District Court to handle cases involving the maltreatment of infants and toddlers. This Court Team is co-led by Judge Ronald Pope and Dr. Connie Almeida, an early childhood professional (employed by ZERO TO THREE). They have convened a Court Team that includes all the professional disciplines touching the lives of young children in foster care. Through the efforts of this multidisciplinary team, the local court is enhancing its capacity to respond to the needs of maltreated infants and toddlers and their families. ZERO TO THREE provides training, technical assistance, and support.
A project evaluator tracks changes over time including the types of services ordered and received by parents and children, the number of reunifications, and increased knowledge of local Court Team members. Ultimately the project hopes to reduce the recurrence of child maltreatment among the families served. NCA/NCF