Athens THRIVe Infant-Toddler Program Site in Georgia

Mindworks Georgia, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health at the Georgia Health Policy Center, is pleased to announce that Family Connection – Communities In Schools of Athens has been selected as the first Athens THRIVe infant-toddler  court program in the state. 

By establishing community-based infant toddler court programs based on the Safe Babies Approach, Athens THRIVe is hoping to create a well-coordinated, child welfare and court system  that strengthens families, prevents child maltreatment, and advances long-term health and  development. 

“A child’s first three years are the most important in their life for brain development and building  emotional connections,” says Renee Johnson, executive director of Mindworks Georgia and  associate project director at the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health. “We know  that during this critical time period, targeted, compassionate interventions can make a lasting  impact. Mindworks is thrilled to be able to support establishing infant-toddler court programs as  part of our mission to connect the dots across the children’s behavioral health system of care and  aligned partners to improve access and outcomes for Georgia families.” 

Family Connection – Communities In Schools of Athens will collaborate with systems serving  children, youth, and families within the Western Judicial Circuit jurisdiction, Athens-Clarke County  Juvenile Court for the first Georgia THRIVe infant-toddler court program that will serve families in  Clarke County throughout the cities of Athens, Winterville, and a portion of Bogart and Hull.