Gibson County Safe Baby Court (SBC) held its first graduation ceremony on Friday, March 13, reuniting a mother with her four children.
“If I didn't have Safe Baby Court, I wouldn't have by babies back now,” said Stacey, a SBC graduate. “Thanks to all the support from Safe Baby and Recovery, I have a new life today. Without the programs, I would still be without my babies and struggling to understand what to do.”
In June 2025, Stacy’s four children were removed from her care. Her youngest was just two months old. Stacy was using drugs, which endangered their lives and contributed to the truancy of her older children.
“Stacy accepted our offer to give Safe Baby Court a try,” said Gibson County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Mark Johnson. “Now, nine months later, all four children have been returned to her custody due to the remarkable progress she has made not only with the tools provided by Safe Baby Court, but also her willingness to navigate through Drug Recovery Court offered by General Sessions Judge Bradley Owens.”
Gibson County Juvenile Court implemented Safe Baby Court two years ago, becoming the third county in West Tennessee to do so.
“Safe Baby Court is not easy,” said Judge Johnson. “It is a long road for parents who have the willingness to make life better for their young children, but not always the ability to succeed without help. Stacy’s case is a perfect example of teamwork between two separate judges and courts.”
“I am grateful for a team of fantastic Department of Children’s Services (DCS) staff, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)and Recovery Court personnel to walk alongside Stacey and her children,” said Rheannah Hollomon, SBC Coordinator. “We are happy to see the family reunified and continue to thrive.”
SBC assisted Stacey’s family during the reunification process by providing items such as beds, car seats, monetary deposits for a home, and gas for her car which allowed her to visit her children.
“Safe Baby Court helped me have a better relationship with DCS and the foster families,” said Stacey. “It also helped support me through the legal process of it all. The extra meetings each month were also helpful.”
“Stacy’s case is a perfect example of teamwork between two separate judges and courts,” said Judge Owens. “Our safe baby coordinator, the DCS case workers, CASA, the attorneys involved, the counselors, and the personnel and staff at the general sessions court all contributed countless hours in giving Stacy not only the ability, but the incentive to become a better parent and person.”
