Program Description
The Family First Program is a voluntary, strength-based home visiting program that provides services intended to enhance the abilities of parent/caregivers to protect their children from abuse/neglect.
The program provides parental education to ensure independent and improved family functioning through home-based services and by connecting the family to community resources. This program puts Families FIRST by providing Families with Intervention, Referral, Support and Training with the following goals:
Goals
- Healthy and Safe Children
- Independent Functioning and Improved Family Functioning
- Connections to Resources
Parent Educators
Family First Parent Educators specialize in arranging and securing services to families with a variety of needs. The Parent Educators are well trained and provides intensive support and resources to families who are at risk for abuse/neglect or who have already experienced judicial intervention for abuse/neglect.
The Parent Educators help families develop and meet attainable goals for both positive parent-child interaction and self-sufficiency. Families are linked to support for urgent basic needs (rent, utilities, food), WIC, TANF, SNAP, housing, day care, immunizations, health care, mental health services, education programs, Texas Work Source, etc. Services include providing families with BookSpring books to promote early child education and provide reading experiences and tools to children and their families.
Who is eligible for Family First?
- Families who have involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS).
- Families/Caregiver resides in Travis County.
Family First Referral and Enrollment Process
Steps to receiving services
- A CPS Caseworker will refer a family to Family First.
- A Family First Case Coordinator will make an unannounced initial visit with family.
- AFamily First Case Coordinator and parent/caregiver will develop an individualized service plan of care, set goals and address any immediate needs of the family.
A Family First Care Coordinator will meet with family weekly providing interventions necessary until the family has attained service plan goals.
Program Funding
Family First is a program that provides support to Child Protective Services Families and is funded through Travis County Health and Human Services & Veterans Service/Office of Children Services. The program is not a division of Child Protective Services.
Location
Family First Team is co-located with the Child Protective Services Division of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
14000 Summit Dr., Ste. 100, Austin, Texas 78728 (Map)
For more information, please contact Program Manager, Mary Williams – (512) 834-3864.
Are you looking to enhance your parenting skills? Our trained Parent Educators at Family First provide individual and group sessions using Nurturing Families curriculum. Learn how a Parent Educator can help you. Important to Know Eligibility We work with Travis County residents. If you live outside of Travis County, you must have an open case with Travis County Child Protective Services (CPS) to qualify. Timeline The process from referral to completion takes approximately 16-24 weeks. You will be asked to participate in in-person activities for 1-2 hours each week. Cost It is free to participate in the Family First program. How to Participate 1 Contact your CPS worker Ask your Child Protective Services worker to complete a referral to Travis County Family First. Make sure to provide them with up-to-date contact information including address, telephone number, and email address, if you have these. 2 Complete an intake session After your referral, we will assign a Parent Educator to you. They will reach out to you at the phone number provided by your CPS worker to schedule an intake session. 3 Engage in weekly sessions Be committed to your Nurturing Families journey by scheduling and attending weekly sessions with your assigned Parent Educator. Sessions can be conducted in your home, the community, or at our office, each lasting 1-2 hours weekly. 4 Complete 16-24 weeks of sessions After 16 session, as a team, you and your Parent Educator will determine if you may benefit from continued sessions. 5 Receive your certification After you complete all sessions, you will earn a Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Completion, or Certificate of Significant Accomplishment to show how your hard work and determination has paid off. This is a time for celebration! More Help Nurturing Families Center:: nurturingfamiliescenter.com Essential Community Services: Call 211 211texas.org Related Resources Apply for Assistance Travis County may be able to help you with access to a food pantry, home repairs, weatherization, social work, utilities, and more. Learn more about your options. Health & Human Services We provide accessible, person-centered services with respect and care.
