Child First Launched 2023 About Child First’s proven model is nationally recognized for helping heal and protect young children and families from the effects of chronic stress and trauma. Services are conducted in the home by a clinical team including a Mental Health Clinician and a Care Coordinator. They foster strong, nurturing relationships between child and caregiver and connect families with much-needed services. The pandemic exacerbated the challenges families face. 27% of parents and 14% of children experienced worsening mental health, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to long-term problems in mental health as well as in learning, and physical health. In response, GreenLight invested in bringing Child First to Boston. Families receiving Child First programming experience positive outcomes through all stages of development, such as decreasing stress, increasing stability, and promoting nurturing relationships. A 2011 randomized control trial showed decreased behavioral problems for children and mothers experiencing lower levels of depression. Ultimately, families were less likely to be involved with child protective services and felt better able to provide the care needed to their children. In partnership with a continuum of care organizations, Child First will bolster the mental health workforce and implement their model with local organizations serving the hardest-to-reach families. With $2.4M already committed outside of GreenLight’s investment and robust partnerships in early childhood and mental health, Child First is expected to serve 1,000+ children and families over their first four years. Founder & CEO Darcy Lowell, M.D. National Headquarters Trumbull, CT Email Contact [email protected] Website childfirst.org Child First: Healing young children and families from the effects of trauma and adversity Child First’s Local Goals Over the next four years 1,184 individuals will be reached across seven providers 82% of families will demonstrate improvement in at least one predetermined goal 65% of children will display a decrease in behavior problems Play is a powerful way for families to connect, bond, grow and heal. What Our Community is Saying “When [Child First expands], we always want a champion. To work with an organization like GreenLight, who is so deeply embedded in the community and has so many relationships, with their advice and mentorship, we know we can do it in the best possible way for the communities we want to serve.” Darcy Lowell Founder of Child First “We always look for proven evidence-based models. There are a million things we don’t know how to do, so we look for best practices. [Child First] is a best practice, a home visiting model that has already proven they can have a positive impact on a parent and a child.” Kate Barrand CEO, Horizons for Homeless Children “Child First fills a void along a continuum of care that we have worked very hard to build out in Massachusetts. My hope is that [Child First] elevates all of our systems, and really coordinates the care that we’re able to offer to families.” Dorothy Richardson Clinical and Developmental Psychologist “Our care coordinators work hard to understand the resources available and if there aren’t resources, they’ll figure it out. They’re inventive, creative. I am often blown away by the stories I hear about what they are working on, what they’ve made happen for families.” Rebecca Parilla National Clinical Director, Child First “Not having systems to support your work has meant many teachers and clinicians have chosen to leave the field. This circles back to the critical ingredient of reflective supervision and support Child First offers. Clinicians know they need this level of support, and are eager to do the work when they can get the support they need.” Dorothy Richardson Clinical and Developmental Psychologist Join our work in Boston We rely on champions and supporters who believe in the power and potential of community-driven change. Follow Us @GreenLightBOS Get In Touch
