Children First

Purpose of the Program

Children are identified, their risk factors are screened, and children with sufficient biological, social, and/or emotional risk factors are linked to public health programs and community-based resources.

Children who do not present risk factors severe enough to qualify for an early intervention program remain in Children 1st where they are monitored to ensure that if risk factors do arise, the identification, screening, and placement in an early intervention program can occur as quickly as possible.

Children 1st Screening and Referral Form

How is eligibility determined?

Children 1st screens children and families who may be at-risk for poor developmental outcomes and need additional support to thrive.  All referrals are made in an effort to help the child grow up healthy and provide the family with the necessary tools to be successful.

1. At birth, children are screened to identify heritable and congenital disorders.  If any of these screenings are positive, the child will automatically be referred to the Children 1st program.
2. During well child visits, a pediatrician screens children for significant developmental milestones.  The pediatrician may refer a child to Children 1st if he/she is not meeting significant milestones or presents other risk factors.
3. Parents, family members, educators, or friends can refer a child to Children 1st if they have concerns about the child’s growth, development, or environment.
4. Department of Family and Children may refer children, as they deem necessary.

How are screenings done?

Children 1st has several points of contact with families.  During each point of contact, screenings are performed to ensure all of the child’s needs are identified and the child is linked to services that will best meet his/her needs, as well as, the needs of the family.

1. Electronic Birth Certificates: All birth certificates for children born in Georgia are downloaded and screened for risk factors.  If a risk is identified, Children 1st will be notified to follow-up with the family directly.
2. Phone Screens: Children 1st coordinators may call families to determine the needs of the child and family over the phone.  Responses during this call will help indicate the types of services, if any, that will most benefit the child and his/her family.

Why is the program important? 

Through early identification, Children 1st makes it more likely that children are linked to important interventions as early as possible.  This early linkage may have lasting effects on the children’s development.

*Participation is voluntary from beginning to end.  Parents may withdraw at any time. 

Reasons for referral

Any child in Georgia can be referred to Children 1st; however, Children 1st is especially interested in referrals for children with the following factors:

Where are services located? 

Children 1st can be found in every county in Georgia.  As part of the Children 1st process, children can receive a developmental screening and/or families can receive a family assessment to determine risk factors.  These screenings can be administered over the phone or in your local health department.

Visit our partner links helpful information!

• Healthy Children
• Healthy Mothers, Healthy babies
• Parent to Parent