Birth to Six InitiativeOverview

California’s Foster care population

• In October 2010, California had 19, 647 children under the age of 6 in supervised foster care.

http://cssr.berkeley.edu/CWSCMSreports

Vulnerability

• Children in this age group are vulnerable to maltreatment, relationship disruption and caregiver transition.

• Infants who have experienced maltreatment and early disruptions tend to push caregivers away.

Dozier and Fisher, 2006

Why is this important?

1. These infants are at increased risk for having problems connecting with other people.

2. These infants can have behavioral problems, trouble eating, and difficulty sleeping.

3. Placement moves hurt children.

Dozier and Fisher, 2006

Importance (continued)

4. Brain growth and development are the most active in the early years.

5. Attachment and bonding also occur during the early years.

6. Young children who experience trauma may experience developmental delays.

Children need stability

Birth to Six Initiative

• This initiative focuses on the need for child welfare and related systems to respond more appropriately to the developmental, social and emotional well-being of children from birth to six years of age.

Changes in practice can help!

• If we create a caring environment and stability for children, separation and trauma can be minimized.

• For those children who have suffered from separation trauma, evidence based treatment is available to help.

http://cssr.berkeley.edu/CWSCMSreports

Outcomes

•Raise awareness of this population

•Create policies and protocols to support the needs of young children

•Improve well being outcomes for young children

Happy Children!

Where to start?

County will conduct an organizational self assessment to determine its readiness and develop a plan of action.

• Use tools from the tool kit to do the assessment:

– Focus group questions– Self assessment tool

Questions?