First Steps for Families and Children
History
FIRST STEPS opened in May 1993 as a result of receiving new funding as part of the Department of Social Services Family Preservation Services Initiative.Program Description
The goals of FIRST STEPS are to protect young children and their families from abuse and neglect, to strengthen individual and family functioning and preserve the integrity and dignity of the family while addressing the developmental needs of the individual members.Eligibility
Any child, ages birth to twelve, residing presently in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Attleboro/Arlington catchment area, who presents with the family, in need of Family Preservation Services defined as: Presently at risk of neglect, abuse, and/or out of home placement; and parenting education/consultation to prevent further family instability and counseling and case management to foster positive family functioning. At this time, referrals are only open to DSS- involved families. However, future plans include expansion of services.Program Components
FIRST STEPS services children birth to twelve and their families, within a twenty-three town area, based on the principles and practices of early childhood education, social work and rehabilitation. Utilizing a family systems' approach, the program offers diagnostic and developmental assessments; individual, couples and family counseling; parent skills training and child development education, resource management and advocacy.FIRST STEPS is an integral member of the Family Preservation Network (FPN). The FPN team is comprised of five area providers and Department of Social Services personnel. This team meets weekly, reviews cases with DSS workers, identifies outcomes and formulates strategy with all providers. The intent of the team is to collaborate, communicate and cooperate in providing comprehensive services by maximizing resources from a network of agencies.
FIRST STEPS emphasis on prevention and early intervention brings a new preventive service dimension to the providers and Department of Social Services.
Staff
FIRST STEPS staff consists of a multidisciplinary team specifically including a social worker, and early childhood educator/developmental specialist and a rehabilitation counselor. Staff are senior level clinicians and educators with training and experience in parenting education, child development, and family systems therapy.Cost
There is no cost to the parent/child referred by the Department of Social Services.
