MercyOne House of Mercy partners with Safe Babies Court to keep families together

MercyOne House of Mercy has partnered with the Safe Babies Court program to help mothers access immediate residential substance use disorder treatment while remaining with their infants. This approach strengthens family bonds and improves long-term outcomes for children and families.

Safe Babies Court, implemented in Polk County in 2005, brings together courts, health care providers and community agencies to support infants and toddlers involved in the child welfare system. Through this collaboration, mothers in crisis can avoid lengthy waiting lists for treatment and receive expedited placement with their newborns and infants by their side.

As part of the partnership, House of Mercy expanded its residential admissions process for Safe Babies referrals to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring women and infants can receive immediate care when needed.

“Early bonding and attachment are critical to healthy development, and families should not be separated when it is safely possible to keep them together,” said Becca Peterson, EdD, LMHC, CADC, executive director of House of Mercy. “House of Mercy aims to provide stabilization and support during this crucial stage of infant development, with the goal of keeping mothers and infants together in treatment.”

The impact of the initiative was immediate. Shortly after implementation, a mother actively struggling with substance use was admitted to House of Mercy with her infant the same day a referral was made; preventing the child from being removed from her care. In addition to treatment services, House of Mercy provided baby clothes, formula and other essential infant supplies.

Last week, House of Mercy received a referral for a pregnant woman whose newborn would have been placed in protective custody if she didn’t get into a treatment program. Staff worked quickly to get the mother moved in, she had her baby the next day, and she was back in treatment with her newborn within a few days.

“Keeping families together and improving outcomes for children has always been at the heart of House of Mercy’s mission,” Peterson said. “We know that early connection between a mother and infant lays the foundation for long-term emotional health. We are proud to be a part of this important work.”