Strengthening Georgia’s adoptive and gaurdianship families

The partners in The Georgia Center for Resources and Support are The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and Families First.

Families First

DFCS

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services

The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, as the State agency responsible for the well-being of Georgia’s children and families, established the DFCS/State Adoption Unit on January 1, 1997. These services were used to expedite safe and secure adoptive placements for children with special needs who were in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services. Innovative programs to promote successful adoptions include The Georgia Center for Resources and Support, funded in 2001.

The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, in partnership with local communities, will assist individuals and families in achieving safe, healthy, independent and self-reliant lives. The DFCS vision statement is “In the delivery of services to individuals, families, and communities, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services will be compassionate, innovative, effective and accountable.”

Within the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is responsible for providing direct services to Georgia’s child, youth and families in need. The primary goal of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) is to assist and support families to ensure children are safe from abuse, and families can become more self-sufficient.

Families First

Families First, Inc. is a multi-service private, non-profit agency. Families First, Inc. will celebrate 131 years of service in September 2020 provided to children, youth and families in metro Atlanta. The agency’s Mission Statement is: “To strengthen and preserve families in partnership with them and their communities” exemplifies its commitment to providing quality care and support to all. Families First has delivered empowering solutions including adoption and foster care services which help give every child in Georgia a chance for a permanent home and hopeful future; services that empower working parents and help those facing homelessness achieve self sufficiency; and supportive counseling and courses for individuals, families and children help create healthy families and relationships.

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GACRS Supportive Programs

Families First Behavioral Health & Counseling

Provides a non-judgmental, empathetic mental health care and support for adults, children, adolescents, and families. Clinicians are available seven days a week and accepts most insurance and sliding scale.

Families First at 404-853-2844 or counseling@familiesfirst.org. Click here for our Counseling Flyer for more information.

 

Families First Navigator Services

Serves families by providing understanding of their resilience and assists families with connecting to Community. The program  responds to gaps in services and basic needs, barriers to help improve finances and assistance with obtaining education goals,. These services helps improves Social Determinants of Health.

 

 

Family Intervention Team (FIT)

The FIT program personalizes services to meet the needs of adoptive families they serve. Their focus is on the families strengths  and helping them build positive relationships and develop life skills. The FIT program includes crisis intervention services; ongoing supports to promote positive interactions and increase independence. The initial sessions includes conduct assessments, an Individual Service Plan and stabilizing ongoing crises. Working closely with families  they develop: Communication & interpersonal  skills; coping & anger management skills; problem-solving skills,  and more. Families should contact their DFCS office of their adoption agency and ask about accessing Family Intervention services.

 

Adopted Teen Empowerment and Mentoring (ATEAM Program)

Provides teens from 13-18.5 years old, with opportunity for support and self-expression through group interactions  with other adopted teens. ATEAM participants strive to understand the unique aspects of adoption and are encouraged to express their concerns openly in a safe environment. For many participants, this type of peer support  is their first opportunity to interact with other adopted teens and to understand that their experiences and feelings related to adoption are normal.  ATEAM offers parent support, educational resources, training materials and respite opportunities for adoptive parents.

Contact ATEAM Program Administrator: Chris Greer; Family Matters Consulting, Inc. Primary: (770) 881-7789}

Toll-Free: (877) 669-0634chris_greer@familymatters-ga.com ATEAM Websit

It’s My Turn Now Georgia

This site lists children in Georgia who are in the custody of the Agency and are available for adoption.

Some general information about the child (children’s) such as name, age, status. and a picture is provided. 

Videos of some of the children listed on this site are available (their pictures have a green background).

My Turn Now also has links to information about services and resources available to prospective adoptive families.

It’s My Turn Now website

 

Adoption and Foster Parent Association of GA

One of AFPAG’s  main goals is to unify all foster parents, agency representatives and communities to benefit children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and come into the foster care system for a safe, loving environment.

AFPAG offers regional support, educational training, advocacy in local and state government, and works to promote community awareness of foster care and adoption.

www.afpag.org