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An important element of Georgia's child welfare program is the development of a strengths-based, prevention-driven community response to vulnerable children and families. Each year, Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services issues a "Statement of Need" to seek proposals from non-profit organizations and public entities to provide coordinated community-based programs and services.
A statewide needs assessment is conducted annually to identify family and community service needs through:
141 programs were selected from more than 180 proposals submitted.
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19 new programs were added to the PSSF Network this fiscal year.
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In Georgia, service models in each of the four PSSF program categories are designed to reinforce and support the priorities identified in the state's five-year Child & Family Services Plan. Service plans must include evidence-based programs, practices and/or strategies proven effective in meeting the needs of children and their families.
PSSF Home Visiting Services utilize evidence-based home visiting practice models to support positive parent-child relationships, promote optimal child health and development, enhance parental self-sufficiency, ensure safe home environments and prevent child abuse and neglect. Home visiting is a mechanism to provide direct support and coordination of services for families which involves direct services to the family in the home setting.
Programs vary, but components include education in effective parenting and childcare techniques; education on child development, health, safety, and nutrition; assistance in gaining access to social support networks; and in identifying and obtaining access to community services.
Programs make use of voluntary in-home support and educational services designed to enhance parental capacity to care for children, strengthen parent-child relationships, and help families identify and access community resources. Home visiting programs offer a variety of family-focused services to expectant parents and families with new babies and young children. They address issues such as maternal and child health, positive parenting practices, safe home environments, and access to services.
To locate Home Visiting programs, check the Resource Guide >>.
Thirteen FSS/HVS home visiting programs (FFY2018) provided:
Parents as Teachers (PAT), an evidence-based home visiting model, was established at Community Partnership of Elbert County, Inc. in 2003 to provide a broad context of parenting education and family support, especially for those families in vulnerable situations. In October 2017, the Community Partnership completed the Parents as Teachers Quality Endorsement and Improvement process and earned the Blue Ribbon Affiliate designation. PAT affiliates with the Blue Ribbon designation are recognized as being exemplary programs, delivering high-quality services to children and families.
Families with children ages 0-5 participate in bi-monthly home visits that are relationship-based and parenting-focused. The PAT curriculum focuses on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being. Families receive strength-based services that identify capabilities and skills and assist families in building protective factors within the family. PAT is effective in promoting healthy development and school readiness and reduces child maltreatment. In addition to home visits, families also have access to group meetings with other parents building a peer support network, regular child development screenings, and linkages to community programs and services that can further assist them in meeting their needs. Families are eligible to receive services prenatally and may continue to participate through age 5.