Best for Babies Court Program

We’re here for your baby. We’re here for you.

Amara partners with Pierce County Juvenile Court to support families who have infants and toddlers in foster care by meeting more frequently to promote greater supports for families and children.

What Parents Can Expect

By participating in this innovative court program, parents can expect:

• To meet more frequently
• Court hearings on a smaller docket with the same judge every 60 days
• A collaborative team approach in family team meetings between court hearings
• To discuss services needed for children to support attachment and healthy development
• To be encouraged to share parenting with caregivers to support children
• A community coordinator available as additional support

Who Is Involved?

• Judge
• Assistant Attorney General
• Social Worker – dedicated workers in each office
• Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)/Child Advocate (CA)
• Parent Attorneys
• Caregivers (foster or relatives)
• Community Coordinator (neutral party, there to support the team that supports the child and family)
• Parent Ally (someone who has gone through the system before)
• Providers/supports – Providers who are involved may be invited to meetings and parents are encouraged to bring anyone who is supporting them

How Can I Sign Up?

Talk with your attorney about joining. For more information about the program, contact:

• Julie Hoffman | 253-777-3622 | julie@amarafamily.org
• Kris Freeman | 253-798-7944 | kris.freeman@piercecountywa.gov

Related Programs

Pierce County Juvenile Court Best for Babies Program

Additional information about the Best for Babies Program can be found on our partner website – Pierce County Juvenile Court. Learn more about the Pierce County program.

Zero to Three

Best for Babies is a national Zero to Three site that utilizes their Safe Babies Court Team™ approach. Learn more about Zero to Three.