Our brains begin developing before birth. The first few years of life are critical to establishing a strong foundation. Children in the child welfare system are at greater risk of having negative experiences impact their brain development and their lifelong behavior and health.

Children from birth to age 5 comprise more than half of the children in Washington state's child welfare system. Thanks to support of our partners, we work to connect this critical group of children to evidence-based early learning programs and behavioral health services, including physical and mental. Building a strong foundation in the early years increases the probably that children will have better outcomes in life.