Safe and Secure TN (SSTN), a program of Empowered to Connect, aims to support systemic change in Tennessee through training, coaching, and community engagement. Over this past year, Safe and Secure TN, in partnership with Foster 180, unveiled their innovative Connection Room at Wilson County’s Juvenile Court on Friday, July 19, 2024. It is the first room of its kind in Tennessee, made possible through a grant from the Resilient Tennessee Collaborative of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY). The connection room serves as a calm space where children, families, and staff can gather. Its purpose is to provide a supportive environment for regulation, connection, and the conduct of necessary affairs related to juvenile court matters.
Those in attendance included Judge Tatum, Senator Mark Pody, Representative Clark Boyd, Judge Berry, Commissioner John Gentry, Mayor Hutto and Dr. Omaran Lee who is the Middle TN Regional Director for the Governor’s Faith Based Community Initiative Office. Many others from Wilson County’s Juvenile Court staff and security were in attendance as well.
The concept of a Connection Room acknowledges the importance of creating a safe and secure environment within the often stressful context of juvenile court proceedings. By focusing on regulation and connection, the room aims to support the emotional well-being of children and families involved, as well as facilitate effective communication and interaction with support staff. The room has already offered much relief for staff, attorneys and caseworkers whose job requires having difficult conversations with families.
One professional with juvenile court shared that the room helped her regulate during a difficult conversation with a parent last week. Another day, a young child who has been nonverbal at court, showed joy and excitement when she saw herself in the Connection Room mirror. Seeing an opportunity for connection, a court staff person asked, “Who is that precious girl?” to which the child responded by speaking her name! Staff have been amazed at the connection and healing that has already happened in such a short time frame.
This initiative underscores a proactive approach towards improving the experience and outcomes for children and families navigating the juvenile court system in Tennessee. It reflects a commitment to providing holistic support beyond legal proceedings, recognizing the emotional needs and well-being of those involved.
System change is slow and complex. However, Judge Tatum has demonstrated a commitment to the implementation of trauma informed practices in his court. Led by Jenny Sanders, Executive Director of Foster 180 and Resource Advocate for Juvenile Court, over 30 staff and court adjacent professionals received training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) this past year. SSTN is grateful for the ongoing collaborative partnership with Foster 180 and Wilson County Juvenile Court.
