Child First

Child First is an innovative, in-home therapeutic intervention aimed at increasing the best possible outcomes in overall development for children from birth to age 6 and their families. Families enrolled in Child First are paired with a team consisting of a Mental Health/Developmental Clinician and Care Coordinator. The two-person Child First team works as your partner, listening closely to understand your goals and what is important to you, your child, and your family. 

Our Child First Team provides home-based therapy for the child and parent, parent guidance, family therapy, and collaborates closely with community providers to address the immediate needs of children and families and help stabilize the home environment.

Together, we will work to ensure:

  • Your child is happy and healthy, without behavioral problems!
  • Your child is learning and successful in school and in life.
  • You can be a strong, kind, wise, and loving parent or caregiver.
  • You do not feel stressed and overwhelmed by the past and present challenges in your life.
  • You can be connected with community-based supports and services that you want and need.
  • You can feel confident and focused so that you are able to reach your own goals for the future.

Eligibility

  • Pregnant women or children from birth through age five.
  • Children with difficult behaviors (such as anger, fighting, or risk of being expelled) or children who have delays in their development or learning.
  • Families with many stressors, which may include: feeling alone, feeling hopeless, fighting in the home, drug use, homelessness, food insecurity, housing insecurity, or involvement with the child welfare system.

Referrals

  • To make a referral, providers can complete the Child First Request for Services Form or by contacting Leeora Netter, Program Manager at (203) 780-1688.
  • Parents/guardians, providers, or CT Department of Children and Families can also make a referral via the Universal Referral Form.

Functional Family Therapy

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an effective, evidence-based family counseling service designed for 11 to 18 year-olds who are at risk or have been referred for behavioral or emotional problems. This short term program works efficiently with the entire family and other close influences in the youth’s life to foster positive growth and development. We recognize that all families are unique, so our treatment plans are tailored to fit the specific needs of youth and their families.

The program consists of:

  • A clinician who will work with the youth and family to promote a care environment that is proactive, positive, and promotes healing
  • Establishing clear goals that your family can work on together, with our clinicians supporting you every step of the way
  • Five phases to help your family see your growth

Our clinicians work hard to sincerely listen, help, respect, and meet families where they’re at in a way that is sensitive and respectful of individual, family, and cultural beliefs, perspectives, and values. 

Referrals