The mission of First Steps is to provide universal support services for all expectant

parents and for all families with children ages birth to five. First Steps Georgia provides

families with parenting information on topics relevant to parent and child health and

safety, to parenting children birth to 5 years of age, and a guide containing information

on community resources appropriate for expectant parents and children birth to five and

their families.

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First Steps services also include providing referrals to relevant resources and age-appropriate information in at least the following categories:

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• Maternal Health

• Newborn/Child Health

• Home and Child Safety

• Community and Family Safety

• School Readiness

• Family Economic Self-sufficiency

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In recognition of the needs of all families, a universal, early intervention parent support plan should be included as part of community strategies to improve outcomes for families.  With community partners, a First Steps plan to provide universal, early intervention services and support for families by:

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1. Identifying a universal target population and service delivery location(s);

2. Ensuring access for parents of all ages and all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds by

    a) Connecting with community partners that will provide access to families;

    b) Establishing referral partner agreements;

    c) Establishing consistent referral process practices; and

    d) Establishing a tracking system for referrals;

3. Identifying key needs of families participating in the program and identifying community resources to meet those needs;

4. Completing all documentation including state required data entry and all essential records required by First Steps Georgia; and

5. Coordinating within Great Start Georgia (an Early Childhood System of Care), where available.

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For more information, please contact Robin Jones, First Steps Henry Coordinator at robin@preventchildabusehc.org.