A child's family is one of the strongest, most important supports during development. When the family system is working, everyone benefits. Family First is a community-based program that helps families heal, grow, and thrive. By working in the home and community, our therapists gain a deep understanding of your child’s struggles and are able to support your entire family. Without the limits of an office, the therapeutic possibilities multiply. Family First helps children and adolescents through a family-focused, home-based model designed to recognize struggles and build on family strengths. This 8 month program allows for true change and to transfer the skills necessary to thrive in lower levels of therapeutic care successfully.

How does Family First work?

Family First is a 32 week process. Your family is assigned a team of two Master’s level clinicians who work closely with you in the home, school and community to address not only your child’s emotional struggles but the larger systemic issues contributing to your concerns. Family First looks a little different from "traditional" therapy. Once we understand your needs, your therapists use a variety of therapeutic techniques and interventions to help your family grow and heal. The flexibility of being in the home and community allows your therapists to address the root of your struggles and create long-term positive change.

Our therapists provide:

• Family therapy
• Individual counseling
• Parent education
• Case management
• Family support
• 24 hour on-call support.

Family First has been a lifeline for many families, helping to regain stability, parents to recover their confidence, and children to renew their life’s potential.

How is Family First funded?

Child Guidance’s Family First services are covered by the PA Medical Assistance System. If your child is diagnosed with a disability or mental health diagnosis, they may qualify for Medical Assistance regardless of family income. If you already have Medical Assistance, Child Guidance will be able to begin assessing your child’s needs and providing services immediately. Please call (484) 454-8720 to begin.

If you do not have Medical Assistance, you can enroll by contacting COMPASS at 877-395-8930 or start the application online at https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/Compass.Web.

How to get started:

We provide Family First services in Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties. To refer a family or see if your family is the right fit, call us: Delaware County: (484) 454-8720 Philadelphia County: (267) 713-4100 Chester County: (610) 383-5635 Or email us at info@cgrc.org

If you have questions, call us today and we’ll help you find answers.