North Carolina Launches Pilot ‘Safe Babies Court’ To Promote Better Child Welfare Outcomes

New Hanover, Yancey, and Mitchell counties in North Carolina are the first to launch Safe Babies Court programs to promote better child welfare outcomes. Safe Babies Court is a three-year pilot program carried out under the direction of North Carolina’s Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC). Enrollment of families in New Hanover, Yancey, and Mitchell counties started in June 2024. NCAOC is currently underway with Safe Babies Court implementation in Durham and Brunswick Counties. The program will be expanding to McDowell and Rutherford Counties in 2025.

By keeping the child at the center of focus, Safe Babies Court . . .