MISSION:

Fayette County Family and Children First Council believes that the well-being of children and families, present and future, depends upon a mutually responsible collaboration of individuals, families, service providers, and all sectors of the community.  These collaborative efforts and commitments will provide opportunities for children and families to become self sustaining, autonomous members of their community.        

FAYETTE COUNTY FAMILY & CHILDREN 1st

 MEETS the 2ND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH AT

 12:00 NOON AT JOB & FAMILY SERVICES

 ROOM 213

HISTORY OF SERVICE COORDINATION MECHANISM

In Ohio, the idea of "Cluster" began in the mid 1980's after an order by  the Governor "to put into immediate effect, rules for cooperation with other organizations for service delivery to multi-need children.  The Fayette County Interagency Council was established June 5, 1985 in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 121.37.  I

In 1992, another Order transformed the "Cluster" into the Family and Children First Initiative (ORC 121.37).   This was after learning that too often families were not getting involved in the "Cluster" process until after their children were already dealing with many difficulties.  The goal of the Family and Children First Initiative was to promote intersystem collaboration

before the youth were older and in need of out-of-home placement.  The FCIC was reorganized on December 12, 1994 as a committee, the Fayette County Family and Children First Council (FCFCFC).

At the State level, the Family and Children First Council is composed of directors of all major State Departments that oversee family services at the County level.  The structure is mirrored at the County level.  Fayette County's Family and Children First

Council (FCFCFC) is comprised of of Executive Director's or their designees from Alcohol,Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, Health Department, CAC, Department of Job and Family Services, County Board of MRDD, County Board of Commissioners, Children Services, Washington C.H. Schools, Miami Trace Local Schools, Department of Youth Services, Help Me Grow and many more.

Family & Children First Commitments

-Expectant parents and newborns thrive

-Infants and toddlers thrive

-Children are ready for school      

-Children and Youth succeed

-Youth choose healthy behaviors

-Youth successfully transition into adulthood              

 

      PROGRAMS                           

                CLUSTER      

                HELP ME GROW          

                OHIO BUCKLES BUCKEYES PROGRAM

                SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME TRAINING

CLUSTER - Many children have complex problems which require the services of several different agencies.  Fayette County Family and Children First created a "cluster" which addresses the multiple needs of children.  The purpose of CLUSTER is to review specific cases and to develop a community support plan which effectively meets the need of the child and family.  Any agency, school, juvenile court, or family can refer a family to cluster.  To refer  a family to cluster, please contact the CLUSTER Chair Person (333-3562) or the Family and Children First Office (335-0350 ask extension 273).

CLUSTER MEETS THE 1st Friday of each month

HELP ME GROW is under the direction of C.O.R.E. (Children Offered Resources Early), the county collaborative group. C.O.R.E. is a sub-committee of Fayette County Family and Children First Council.  C.O.R.E. offers parents and caregiver services and resources to promote the development of their children and well being of their family.  Services that C.O.R.E. offers through the Help Me Grow program include: service coordination, developmental screenings and evaluations, prenatal & newborn home visits, trained specialist to provide play activities to encourage development, center-based early intervention services, speech, occupational and physical therapies, home visits, playgroup, family support, and pre-school assistance.  To apply for HELP ME GROW call 335-5111 as for the Help Me Grow Project Director. 

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME- Fayette County Family and Children First offers a free shaken baby syndrome class to assist members of the community in learning the dangers associated with shaking infants and young children and to assist in the development of a 4-part plan to prevent inflicted head trauma from occurring.  The class is offered the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in Medical Arts Building 2, to reserve your spot please call 335-0350 ext 273.  Door prizes and snacks offered at each class!

OHIO BUCKLES BUCKEYES PROGRAM -  

--Distribution of convertible or booster seats to low income families  --Inspection of car seats (available to the entire community, regardless of income) --Child Passenger Safety Education

Qualifications for an OBB seat:

-Family meets WIC income eligibility guidelines -Seat distributed must be the child’s only seat. We do not distribute seats for grandparents or extra vehicles.

-Caregiver must watch 20 minute video “Don’t Risk Your Child’s Life.”

-Car seat technician will assist with installation of car seat in the vehicle. 

Clinics are held twice a month and seat distribution and inspections are done by appointment only.

Clinic dates vary – call 335-5111 for the next clinic date. 

The program does not distribute infant seats.  Inventory is limited, and there is no guarantee that an appropriate seat for every child will be available. We do not keep waiting lists. 

Seats are provided by the Ohio Department of Health’s Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program and additional funding and seats are made available through United Way of Fayette County.

    FOR A LIST OF MEMBER AGENCIES PLEASE CLICK HERE