Counseling programs that help people cope with life’s unexpected and sometimes tragic twists and turns. Families First staff provide individual, group and family counseling services to assist them with problems like divorce, domestic violence, serious illness, drug and alcohol abuse, parent-child conflicts, HIV/AIDS, and the death of a loved one.  If you are in need of counseling services, please contact us at 404-853-2844 and schedule a First Available Appointment.

Adoption Learning Partners offers a series of web-based courses to address the information needs of adoptive families, families contemplating adoption, adopted persons, and birth parents.

Developed in partnership with adoption and child welfare experts, e-learning instructional design experts, and adoptive families, each course provides instruction, interactive exercises, and extensive resource lists. Courses take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete, and most are offered free of charge.

Courses focus on various aspects of the adoption process, including:

    * Conspicuous Families: Race, Culture, and Adoption
    * Adoption Tax Credit
    * Let's Talk Adoption: A Lifetime of Family Conversations
    * With Eyes Wide Open: A Preparation Guide to Int’l Adoption
    * The Journey of Attachment
    * Finding the Missing Pieces: Helping Adopted Children Cope with

         Grief and Loss
    * Becoming Your Child's Best Advocate: Help for Adoptive Parents

Complete course descriptions and registration information are available at www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/courses/overview.cfm

The Adopted Teen Empowerment and Mentoring Program

The ATEAM is a post adoption service program established in partnership by the Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Adoptions and Family Matters Consulting, Inc. This mentoring program is truly a special place for special friends where group members feel safe in sharing their thoughts about adoption. The program allows teens in grades 6 through 12 to begin new friendships at any of the thirteen college campuses across the state where ATEAM meetings are held. The ATEAM welcomes adopted teens that will benefit from becoming part of a supportive group where there is mutual respect among all members. Eligible teens are those receiving Adoption Assistance who have been in the custody of a state agency. This program may not be well suited for teens who experience difficulties interacting within a large group setting. Please see our Calendar for more information on local activities and contact numbers for each region of the state. 

ATEAM Program Administrator
Family Matters Consulting, Inc.
Chris Greer
770-965-9336
Fax: 770-965-9337
Email: C_greer@bellsouth.net

CHRIS Keeping Families Together Prevention and Aftercare Programs

This program offers children and families a unique, flexible treatment and support partnership in their own homes, schools and communities. Identifying and developing strengths, resources and natural support systems create positive family relationships, promote self-sufficiency and help build safer and stronger communities.  Please click here for more information. http://www.chrishomes.org/programsFamilies.htm

Crisis Intervention Team

The Crisis Intervention Team provides services to adoptive families in need of professional help to improve overall family functioning, preserve the family unit, and provide links to community resources. The team assists adoptive families have finalized an adoption of children who meet the DHR definition of special needs. The Intervention Team provides early intervention to improve the family's well-being, and to increase family bonding. A family must be referred by their local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).  For more information: County DFCS Adoption Assistance Case Manager

Georgia Center for Resources and Support

The Georgia Center for Resources and Support is available to assist families in locating resources, developing support groups, providing a “buddy” who has an adopted or foster child with similar special needs, a lending library of books and publications relating to adoption and foster care issues, and a Web page that provides current information on resources and training events. The Center is accessed by calling 1-866-A-PARENT. Each region of the state has a Resource Advisor who will respond to calls and assist families in locating community resources and/or other post placement services provided by the state.  For further information contact 1-866-A-PARENT or http://www.gaadoptionresources.org/

Respite

Respite service is designed to give a brief reprieve from the demands of parenting an adoptive child who meets the DHR definition of special needs. This break allows parents to take time out for themselves, renew family relationships, or enjoy a special hobby or social activity. Respite should be viewed as a wellness service which helps families to maintain positive relationships. Respite should not be used as day care or for ongoing supervision. Respite is a service which can be paid for using Special Services Adoption Assistance. Qualifying families are eligible for 240 hours of respite per year.  Please click here for more information. http://www.fosterparenting.com/foster-care/respite-care-2.html

Behavior Aide Program

The Behavior Aide Program provides one-on-one support from trained “special friends” to children having extreme difficulties. Behavior aides work in a child’s home, school and community with each child in accordance with the treatment plan to help them learn responsible behavior, develop self-esteem and succeed.  Please click here for more information. http://www.chriskids.org/programsFamilies.htm