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When the bough breaks the cradle will fall: Promoting the health and well being of infants and toddlers in juvenile court
Author(s) -
Lederman Cindy S.,
Osofsky Joy D.,
Katz Lynne
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/imhj.20146
Subject(s) - juvenile , intervention (counseling) , foundation (evidence) , welfare , developmental psychology , psychology , psychological intervention , early childhood , cognitive development , cognition , child development , juvenile court , juvenile delinquency , political science , psychiatry , law , genetics , biology
Approximately one‐third of the children in the child welfare system are under the age of six. These children are almost invisible in our juvenile courts. It is now clear from the emerging science of early childhood development that during the first few years of life, children develop the foundation and capabilities on which all subsequent development builds. Living in emotional and environmental impoverishment and deprivation provides a poor foundation for healthy development. These very young and vulnerable children are exhibiting disproportionate developmental and cognitive delays, medical problems, and emotional disorders. However, there is growing evidence that early planned interventions can help. The juvenile court must take a leadership role in focusing on the very young child and learning more about risk, prevention, and early intervention in order to facilitate the healing process.