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The children in the families we serve have a variety of emotional and behavioral problems. Some have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, some are struggling with school behaviors, some are simply ungovernable, and others are reacting poorly to their dysfunctional family environments. Many families live at or below poverty level and are struggling to find jobs, housing, clothing, and food for their children.

How it Works

A Families First Specialist goes into the home of a troubled family for 8-10 hours a week for six weeks. The Specialist becomes an ally of the parents and teaches them proven methods of changing a child's destructive behaviors. They are taught how to maintain discipline without anger or violence. Positive communication skills are also taught, as well as how to effectively set and maintain boundaries.

The Specialist uses positive reinforcement, modeling, role playing, and other methods that are designed specifically to teach lasting, concrete parenting and communication skills.

Even after concluding the six-week in-home period, the Specialist continues to be a part of the family's life by remaining on-call, 24 hours a day, for the next year. The Specialist also conducts evaluations at three-month intervals after the intervention to track success and to identify possible challenges on a case by case basis.

Families First is available to the public. Some insurance companies provide coverage. Payment is determined on a sliding scale. For more information, contact Sheila Gledhill at sgledhill@youthvillage.org or call her at (801) 272-9980 ext.129.