Child First

When young children grow up in environments where there is violence, neglect, mental illness, or substance abuse, the stress can be toxic to their developing brains. But Child First, a nationally evidence-based program, is now available here to prevent this damage.

Child First works to decrease the incidence of serious emotional disturbance, developmental and learning problems, and abuse and neglect among high-risk young children and families. It provides services to families with children birth to age 6 in which the child has emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns or the family faces multiple barriers. A clinician and care coordinator provide services that include comprehensive assessment of child and family needs, observation and consultation in early care and education settings, parent-child mental health intervention, development of a family and a child plan of care, and care coordination/case management.

Our goal is a young brain focused on learning rather than a brain focused on survival. Even in the face of extreme challenges, our children and families are making incredible progress.

Overcoming “Toxic” Stress

The Challenge

Scientific research in brain development clearly shows that high-risk environments (e.g., where there is maternal depression, domestic violence, substance abuse, or homelessness) lead to levels of stress that can be “toxic” to the young, developing brain. Without the buffer of strong, nurturing relationships, the results are long-term damage with significant emotional/behavioral, learning, and health problems.

Evidence-Based and Recognition

Child First Accomplishments and Impact

Child First has been designated by HHS as “evidence-based” under the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.

Child First now serves families in Palm Beach County, Florida and throughout Connecticut and North Carolina.

Child First’s cost-effective intervention is projected to prevent the need for physical and psychiatric hospitalization, foster care, special education, and incarceration.

Child First has been recognized by the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, Social Impact Exchange, Harvard Center on the Developing Child, Pew Home Visiting Campaign, Zero to Three, National Conference of State Legislators, and Connecticut and American Hospital Associations.

ABOUT CHILD FIRST

BROCHURE – LEARN MORE

Project Outcomes

In 2022, 253 children and 219 adults were served with children birth to six years old.

74.3% of the families completed services successfully. Of the families discharged, 93% of those families improved in at least one domain.

This program also received two national accreditations from Child First and the Council on Accreditation (COA) for children and families in 2020.

Learn More

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Our Funders

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT

Let Us Help You

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

If you would like to learn more about Child First, please call
Dalecia Parks, LMHC, Clinical Director 561-385-6924

dparks@familiesfirstpbc.org

Additional Resources

If you are now pregnant, call Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies at 561-623-2800.

If you are concerned about the behavior, learning, or development of your young child, call HomeSafe at 561-383-9800 extension 1702.

If you would like to learn more about Child First, please call CHILD FIRST OFFICE:
561-283-0635

12300 South Shore Blvd., Unit 210
Wellington, FL 33414

How You Can Help

DONATE, VOLUNTEER, GET INVOLVED

Our programs rely on contributions from our community.

If you are able to donate to Families First, please contribute here.

If you are able to volunteer at our programs or events, contact us here.

Thank you!