Through a strong Network of Child First affiliate agencies, the Child First intervention fills a gap in the service continuum for the most vulnerable children and families. An innovative service model that began locally in Bridgeport, Connecticut has grown to over 15 sites statewide in Connecticut, with additional Child First now being replicated nationally. The Child First model has become an integral component of early childhood systems of care at the local, state, and national level.
Through collaborative efforts, the National Program Office in Connecticut partners with State or Regional Lead Organizations and State Networks of local affiliates agencies to ensure that implementation of the Child First model occurs with fidelity. The Child First Network of agencies possess an infrastructure of personnel and community connectedness that enables the delivery of comprehensive services to high need families. The Network also partners with the National Program Office to strategize and implement plans to sustain services within identified communities, through the development of a diverse revenue structure, including but not limited to, philanthropic partners, federal, state, and local grants and contracts, and private donations.
