Tonya Ford, Coordinator

To contact us:
Tonya Ford, Coordinator
928-753-0744 ext. 4143
toford@courts.az.gov

Amber McGuire, Assistant
928-753-0744 ext. 4744
amcguire@courts.az.gov
Fax 928-753-0799

The Need For A Court Team:

Reviewing the needs and assets of the Mohave/LaPaz area, it is noted that a need exists to provide additional support to infants and toddlers in foster care.  An increasing number of infants and toddlers with complicated and serious physical, mental health, and developmental problems are being removed from their homes.  These young children are at great risk for long-term harm due to the rapid development of their brains at this time in their lives.  Foster parents and providers do not always have the necessary training to help address the unique social and emotional needs of this vulnerable population.
The goal is to be more responsive to the unique needs of very young children.  Training on early childhood development is provided to court personnel, Child Protective Services case workers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), dependency attorneys, foster parents, and child-serving agencies region-wide.

Team Mission:
To promote healthy development of children birth to five years of age in our region

Functions of the Court Team:

The role of the team is to advocate for children ages 0 to 5 years of age.  The team creates programs and policies that are scientifically proven to be best practice for early childhood.  The core components of the team include:

1. Judicial Leadership
2. A Community Team
3. Assistance from child development and mental health experts
4. Training and technical assistance
5. Analysis of case issues