Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Prevention and Community Support
OUT OF SCHOOL SERVICES
General Program Overview
The Out of School Services Program is located within the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Prevention and Community Support Section. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services investigates child abuse; provides foster homes for abused and neglected children; assists low to moderate income families by providing financial assistance; provides support to families seeking childcare assistance; and provides many other numerous support services to assist and support families in need. In an effort to continue to support DFCS’ broader goal of being a resource to families by promoting self-sufficiency and independence, Out of School Services provides federal funding to non-profit organizations and public agencies who serve youth and families during the out-of-school time. By funding positive youth development programs and services that are provided during before school, after school, intercession, and summer hours. Out of School Services also supports two Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) goals: (a) End the dependency of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage and (b) Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
The mission of Out of School Services is to provide resources to youth-serving organizations within the state of Georgia who serve families within low-to-moderate income communities and the foster care system. The vision of Out of School Services is to ensure every child and youth has access to high quality positive youth development programming within their community. Academic attainment and an enhanced well-being through positive youth development services are key factors in ensuring youth successfully transition into young adulthood, particularly youth of economically disadvantaged communities. Through out-of-school time programs, parents and caregivers can ensure their youth have a safe and enriching environment when the traditional school day ends. By providing funding through a Continuation Funding Proposal solicitation process, DFCS partners with community-based organizations and public agencies throughout the state of Georgia who provide services to youth and their families.
The goals of Out of School Services are to:
- Strengthen youth-serving organizations and institutions by providing funding that increases their capacity to design, implement, and sustain quality youth development programs and services.
- Provide opportunities for youth to establish positive relationships with their peers and caring adults during traditional non-school day hours; and
- Provide technical assistance to organizations and agencies as they implement services and activities that support their youth’s overall well-being as they prepare for and transition into young adulthood.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER STATEMENT OF NEED FY2025 (October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025)
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services’ (DFCS) mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence and protect Georgia’s vulnerable children.
State and Federal funding provides families throughout Georgia services such as parent support programs, parent training, screening and identification tools, training opportunities, high-quality evidence-based, home visitation and primary and secondary child maltreatment prevention that helps local communities promote the overall health and well-being of Georgia’s children, youth, and families. The Prevention and Community Support (PCS) Unit of DFCS is committed to supporting quality child abuse and neglect prevention and child and family resource programs throughout the state.
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program (CANP) is seeking proposals from existing community-based non-profit agencies and public entities located throughout the state of Georgia to support them in implementing. This announcement sets forth the application requirements, the application process, and other administrative and fiscal requirements on how to apply for funding under this funding solicitation.
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program (CANP) is seeking proposals from existing community-based non-profit agencies and public entities located throughout the state of Georgia to support them in implementing evidence-based parent education and home visiting program models.
This announcement sets forth the application requirements, the application process, and other administrative and fiscal requirements on how to apply for funding under this funding solicitation. PCS staff are available to assist you if you have questions about completing this application. All proposals MUST be submitted electronically via this website. Additional information will be made available at the mandatory informational webinar on April 12, 2024, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM. Registration is required. If you or a representative are unable to attend this webinar, please email Lindsey.Dale@dhs.ga.gov.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrf--orjopGNZ5F6qZIfJr8WzaES0Ctb71
1. Prevention and Community Support Section
The Prevention and Community Support (PCS) Section of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), works in partnership with community-based organizations committed to reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect by implementing evidence-based prevention and early intervention techniques to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.
2. Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs
This Statement of Need has been issued specifically to solicit proposals to support the expansion of Georgia’s Family Resource Center Network and is seeking proposals to:
· Assist in the establishment and/or ongoing development of community-based Family Resource Centers
· Provide program services that address child abuse and neglect prevention, by offering:
Primary prevention services (when no abuse has occurred) and/or
Secondary prevention services (when risk factors make abuse a concern, but abuse has not already occurred,
and families are unknown to child protective services).
3. Georgia Family Support Network
The Georgia Family Support Network (GFSN) is a network of state, county, and community organizations dedicated to strengthening practices and policies that champion quality family support across our state. This network encourages members to work in partnership with families to implement evidence-based and best practice programs that build the 5 Protective Factors of the Strengthening Families Approach. Member organizations benefit from networking, access to tools, resources and potential funding, and additional training and professional development for staff. The GFSN is a member network of the National Family Support Network.
For more information about the National Family Support Network, visit https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org.
Awardees of the FRC contracts will be required to become active members of the GFSN and to take the NFSN Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support training within the first contract year. Once trained, the FRC would be required to do the program self-assessment annually and implement the Standards in their organization.
For more information about the Standards or the NFSN, visit: https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org/standards-of-quality
For more information on joining the GFSN, visit https://abuse.publichealth.gsu.edu/georgia-family-support-network.
4. Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs
A Family Resource Center (FRC) is a unified point of entry where families, caregivers, children and youth in schools or communities can obtain information, resources, an assessment of needs, referral to, or direct delivery of services in a manner that is welcoming, strength-based, family-centered, multi-generational and is responsive to its community’s needs, cultures, and interests.
Family Resource Center Standards
- Place-based: Welcoming, family friendly site hub located or co-located within a school or another organization in a community.
- Population-based: Serving specific demographic or target groups.
- Information, resources, and referrals: Providing families with information, access, or linkage to resources, services, and supports available in the community.
- Direct supports and services: Provided by staff or partners and may include such services as parent/caregiver education and support programs, life skills, screenings, assessments, case management and formal services for families, caregivers, children, and youth.
- Community building and civic engagement activities: Hosting/co-hosting events and programs such as community celebrations and fairs, parent leadership program, voter registration, advocacy, and advocacy training.
- Family-focused: Activities, programs, and events that are intentionally directed towards families (parents, caregivers, multigenerational, children and youth).
PCS requires that all applicants adhere to standards for Family Resource Center outlined above.
Proposals must identify, at minimum, that one (1) new cumulative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed with a partner organization during the contract year.
Program services must address child abuse and neglect prevention, specifically providing:
- Primary prevention services (when no abuse has occurred) and/or
- Secondary prevention services (when risk factors make abuse a concern, but abuse has not already occurred, and families are unknown to child protective services)
The primary target population for this PCS/FRC funding opportunity is families who have not been referred to, and are not involved with, Child Protective Services. Families who are involved in CPS should not be the proposed target population identified for any program services. For example, supervised visitation would be an example of an intervention program that would not be eligible for this opportunity. Programs may serve a limited number of families with open Child Protective Services (CPS) cases if the proposed program services are primary or secondary prevention focused.
5. Services and Service Delivery
Applicants are encouraged to utilize evidence-based or evidence-informed primary or secondary prevention services or programs, where they are available. Some of the service categories may not have an evidence-based model. In those instances, the applicant is asked to explain why they chose that program or service and what outcomes they think will be addressed.
For a list of recommended evidence-based or evidence-informed primary or secondary prevention programs or services, you may visit one of the following:
- FRIENDS National Resource Center Matrix of Evidence-based Practice at https://friendsnrc.org/evaluation/matrix-of-evidence-based-practice/matrix-of-evidence-based-practice/
- The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare at: https://www.cebc4cw.org/
- The Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness at: https://homvee.acf.hhs.gov/
Proposals must include a minimum of three (3) services/activities in two (2) of the service categories identified below.
Services may include, but are not limited to:
Parenting and Family Support
- Parenting workshops
- Parent support groups
- Parenting education series/classes
- First Steps Georgia
- Home visiting
- Services for families screened out of the child protective services system
Health and Wellness
- Nutrition education
- Cooking classes
- Physical fitness activities
- Health screenings
- Counseling
- Dental services
- Substance abuse services
Child Development and Educational Activities
- Childcare (emergency, short- or long term)
- Tutoring
- Enrichment activities
Family Economic Success
- Job skills training
- Employment services
- Financial education
Access to Resources
- Information and referral i.e., linking families to community-based services
- Concrete supports such as food pantry, clothing bank, rental assistance, respite childcare
- Co-location of external resources on-site such as WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, food banks, clothing closets
- Professional services at low or no cost such as legal aid
Family Engagement
- Male/father-focused activities/programs
- Grandparent-focused activities/programs
- Healthy couples/marriage programs
- Youth-focused activities/programs
- Family events/activities
Community Engagement
- Health fairs
- Voter education/registration
- Community education workshops
- Parent leadership development
- Community gardens
7. Performance Measures
Applicants must adhere to the following outcome measures, with a target population of families with custodial children. Annual implementation and evaluation reports will be required throughout the contract implementation period.
Outcome Indicator - Progress on NFSN Standards implementation
Performance Levels - All FRCs will be required to be trained in the National Family Support Network’s Standards of Quality for Family Support and Strengthening Programs. All FRCs will need to take the program self-assessment and indicate plans to progress in quality in the standards each year.
YR2: 50% of FRC staff will need to be trained in the Standards by the end of the second contract year.
Outcome Indicator - Child Maltreatment
Performance Levels - At least 97% of target children will remain free from child abuse and neglect (e.g., have no substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect).
Outcome Indicator - Local Collaboration
Performance Levels - At minimum, at least one (1) new cumulative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed with a partner organization.
Outcome Indicator - Participant Numbers
Performance Levels - A percentage of families required to be served in FRC services.
FY25 FIRST STEPS GEORGIA
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services’ (DFCS) mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence and protect Georgia’s vulnerable children.
The Prevention and Community Support Section (PCS) of Georgia DFCS works in partnership with community-based organizations committed to reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect by implementing evidence-based prevention and early intervention techniques to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.
State and Federal funding provides families throughout Georgia services such as parent support programs, parent training, screening and identification tools, training opportunities, high-quality home visitation and primary and secondary child maltreatment prevention that helps local communities promote the overall health and well-being of Georgia’s children, youth, and families. PCS is committed to supporting quality child abuse and neglect prevention and family support programs throughout the state.
First Steps Georgia
All parents can benefit from support around the time of birth of a child and during the early years of a child’s life. In recognition of the needs of all families, a universal, early intervention parent support plan should be included as part of community strategies to improve outcomes for families. PCS is seeking applications to fund First Steps Georgia (FSG) that meet the requirements outlined below.
Through this Statement of Need the goal is to engage communities in planning, implementing, and sustaining universal parent support services through contract funding of FSG in their communities. FSG is one component of a larger Georgia initiative called The Georgia Home Visiting Program (GHVP). GHVP represents the development and implementation of a comprehensive, community-based system for expectant parents and for families with children ages birth to five in Georgia. GHVP is designed to create a community culture of care, encouragement, and support for all families before and after the birth of a child. Across hundreds of Georgia communities, services are available to ensure that these important early years are rich with opportunities for children to be educated, safe, and healthy.
For more information, please visit the GHVP website: https://dph.georgia.gov/homevisiting
Mission
To provide universal, free, and voluntary support services for all expectant parents and children birth to five and their families.
Goals
- Provide current information on topics of interest and relevance to expectant parents and caregivers of children birth to five.
- Provide information on community resources relevant to expectant parents and caregivers of children birth to five.
- Strengthen the protective factor of concrete connections to promote maternal and infant health for expectant parents and caregivers of children birth to five.
Program Service Delivery Requirements
PCS requires that First Steps Georgia services comply with service delivery criteria and performance requirements as described below.
Essential Service (Function) Requirements
Identification and Referral
· Establish and maintain service delivery location(s) and processes.
Screening
· Screen each family served utilizing the First Steps Georgia Screening Tool.
Parent Education
Provide parents and caregivers with relevant and age-appropriate educational materials from reliable sources in each of the following categories:
- Maternal Health
- Newborn/Child Health
- Home and Child Safety
- Community and Family Safety
- School Readiness
- Family Economics/Self-sufficiency
Provide each family served with a localized, annually updated community resource guide that includes resources appropriate to all expectant parents and families with children birth to five years of age.
Linkage
· Provide links to available services and resources based on identified family need
Essential Practice Requirements
FSG provider must ensure that:
- All direct service staff will complete required FSG trainings prior to serving families.
- The First Steps Georgia Screening Tool shall be administered in accordance with FSG training.
- Annually, at a minimum, families shall be offered an opportunity to provide feedback on the services they receive through FSG using the FSG Family Satisfaction survey.
- Parent packet educational materials will be selected from the state list of pre-approved resources or approval must be obtained prior to use.
- Staff will participate with Technical Assistance and networking activities as requested.
Essential Structure Requirements
FSG provider must:
- Develop a state approved FSG program.
- Oversee the implementation of FSG services according to the requirements and expectations of the approved FSG community plan.
- Designate one person to provide leadership in the implementation of the FSG community plan.
- Provide appropriate staff for the implementation of the FSG community plan.
- Ensure data is entered into the appropriate GHVP data management system(s) as prescribed by the GHVP Framework in a timely manner.
- Create and implement an ongoing funding strategy for FSG services.
Strengthening Families Protective Factors
PCS requires all applicants to incorporate at least one of the five Strengthening Families Protective Factors into their work, See below for the Protective Factors Core Meanings. For further information, visit https://abuse.publichealth.gsu.edu/protective-factors/,
- Parental Resilience: Managing stress and functioning well when faced with challenges, adversity and trauma.
- Social Connections: Positive relationships that provide emotional, informational, instrumental and spiritual support.
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Understanding child development and parenting strategies that support physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development.
- Concrete Support in Times of Need: Access to concrete support and services that address a family’s needs and help minimize stress caused by challenges.
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children: Family and child interactions that help children develop the ability to communicate clearly, recognize and regulate their emotions and establish and maintain relationships.
Performance Expectations
Staffing Guidelines
Every community plan will be different but will include a goal for the number of families who will be served by First Steps each year. In an effort to assist in planning, additional information can be found in the Statement of Need within the application submission website.
Number of Families Served
If applicant is currently funded for the full spectrum of GHVP services by MIECHV, Department of Public Health Title V, or PCS, the First Step Georgia program is expected to exceed the minimum number of families screened in by your GHVP contract. In an effort to assist in planning, additional information can be found in the Statement of Need within the application submission website.
Reporting & Evaluation
PCS requires that contractors comply with and fully participate in the following components of reporting, performance, and evaluation:
Reporting in Data Management System(s)
By the end of each quarter, the contractor will ensure that service and participant data are reported through the prescribed online data management and reporting system(s). The contractor will be responsible and liable for reviewing all data entered into the online data management system(s) for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with PCS reporting requirements. Payment for reported number of screenings completed each period will be verified with data system reports prior to payment. Only reports from the data management system will be accepted by PCS.
Performance Measures
Applicants applying for funding of FSG universal, early intervention parent support services in their community will be required to meet FSG annual performance outcome measures in the following areas. Further details can be found in the Statement of Need within the application submission website.
- Families Served
- Linkage/Referrals
- Resources
- Family Health Insurance
- Family Medical Care
- Family Satisfaction Survey
- Protective Factors
Funding
Funding for PCS FSG contracts are based on the number of families screened during the contract year. Please see the charts on page 6 of the Statement of Need within the application submission website for detailed information regarding staffing and funding.
Technical Assistance
PCS asks applicants to direct all questions to the staff listed below. Questions will be permitted until the day before the application submission date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to pose all questions as early as possible in the SON process.
STATEMENT OF NEED QUESTIONS:
Jennifer Bell
Program Specialist
Prevention and Community Support
FIRST STEPS GEORGIA QUESTIONS:
Nicole Copeland
First Steps Georgia State Lead
Georgia Home Visiting Program
706-202-5766
Application Submission
All proposals MUST be submitted electronically.
Information on submitting proposals will be made available at the mandatory informational webinar on April 19, 2024. If you or a representative are unable to attend this webinar, please email Jennifer.Bell@dhs.ga.gov. Use the following link to register for the mandatory webinar: REGISTRATION LINK (https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/eb74db6c-e9c3-4d67-9b3f-a62eaec2be13@512da10d-071b-4b94-8abc-9ec4044d1516)
ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN FULL NO LATER THAN MAY 17, 2024 at 12 (NOON).
FY25 FIRST STEPS GEORGIA
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services’ (DFCS) mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence and protect Georgia’s vulnerable children.
The Prevention and Community Support Section (PCS) of Georgia DFCS works in partnership with community-based organizations committed to reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect by implementing evidence-based prevention and early intervention techniques to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.
State and Federal funding provides families throughout Georgia services such as parent support programs, parent training, screening and identification tools, training opportunities, high-quality home visitation and primary and secondary child maltreatment prevention that helps local communities promote the overall health and well-being of Georgia’s children, youth, and families. PCS is committed to supporting quality child abuse and neglect prevention and family support programs throughout the state.
First Steps Georgia
All parents can benefit from support around the time of birth of a child and during the early years of a child’s life. In recognition of the needs of all families, a universal, early intervention parent support plan should be included as part of community strategies to improve outcomes for families. PCS is seeking applications to fund First Steps Georgia (FSG) that meet the requirements outlined below.
Through this Statement of Need the goal is to engage communities in planning, implementing, and sustaining universal parent support services through contract funding of FSG in their communities. FSG is one component of a larger Georgia initiative called The Georgia Home Visiting Program (GHVP). GHVP represents the development and implementation of a comprehensive, community-based system for expectant parents and for families with children ages birth to five in Georgia. GHVP is designed to create a community culture of care, encouragement, and support for all families before and after the birth of a child. Across hundreds of Georgia communities, services are available to ensure that these important early years are rich with opportunities for children to be educated, safe, and healthy.
For more information, please visit the GHVP website: https://dph.georgia.gov/homevisiting
Mission
To provide universal, free, and voluntary support services for all expectant parents and children birth to five and their families.
Goals
- Provide current information on topics of interest and relevance to expectant parents and caregivers of children birth to five.
- Provide information on community resources relevant to expectant parents and caregivers of children birth to five.
- Strengthen the protective factor of concrete connections to promote maternal and infant health for expectant parents and caregivers of children birth to five.
Program Service Delivery Requirements
PCS requires that First Steps Georgia services comply with service delivery criteria and performance requirements as described below.
Essential Service (Function) Requirements
Identification and Referral
· Establish and maintain service delivery location(s) and processes.
Screening
· Screen each family served utilizing the First Steps Georgia Screening Tool.
Parent Education
Provide parents and caregivers with relevant and age-appropriate educational materials from reliable sources in each of the following categories:
- Maternal Health
- Newborn/Child Health
- Home and Child Safety
- Community and Family Safety
- School Readiness
- Family Economics/Self-sufficiency
Provide each family served with a localized, annually updated community resource guide that includes resources appropriate to all expectant parents and families with children birth to five years of age.
Linkage
· Provide links to available services and resources based on identified family need
Essential Practice Requirements
FSG provider must ensure that:
- All direct service staff will complete required FSG trainings prior to serving families.
- The First Steps Georgia Screening Tool shall be administered in accordance with FSG training.
- Annually, at a minimum, families shall be offered an opportunity to provide feedback on the services they receive through FSG using the FSG Family Satisfaction survey.
- Parent packet educational materials will be selected from the state list of pre-approved resources or approval must be obtained prior to use.
- Staff will participate with Technical Assistance and networking activities as requested.
Essential Structure Requirements
FSG provider must:
- Develop a state approved FSG program.
- Oversee the implementation of FSG services according to the requirements and expectations of the approved FSG community plan.
- Designate one person to provide leadership in the implementation of the FSG community plan.
- Provide appropriate staff for the implementation of the FSG community plan.
- Ensure data is entered into the appropriate GHVP data management system(s) as prescribed by the GHVP Framework in a timely manner.
- Create and implement an ongoing funding strategy for FSG services.
Strengthening Families Protective Factors
PCS requires all applicants to incorporate at least one of the five Strengthening Families Protective Factors into their work, See below for the Protective Factors Core Meanings. For further information, visit https://abuse.publichealth.gsu.edu/protective-factors/,
- Parental Resilience: Managing stress and functioning well when faced with challenges, adversity and trauma.
- Social Connections: Positive relationships that provide emotional, informational, instrumental and spiritual support.
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Understanding child development and parenting strategies that support physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development.
- Concrete Support in Times of Need: Access to concrete support and services that address a family’s needs and help minimize stress caused by challenges.
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children: Family and child interactions that help children develop the ability to communicate clearly, recognize and regulate their emotions and establish and maintain relationships.
Performance Expectations
Staffing Guidelines
Every community plan will be different but will include a goal for the number of families who will be served by First Steps each year. In an effort to assist in planning, additional information can be found in the Statement of Need within the application submission website.
Number of Families Served
If applicant is currently funded for the full spectrum of GHVP services by MIECHV, Department of Public Health Title V, or PCS, the First Step Georgia program is expected to exceed the minimum number of families screened in by your GHVP contract. In an effort to assist in planning, additional information can be found in the Statement of Need within the application submission website.
Reporting & Evaluation
PCS requires that contractors comply with and fully participate in the following components of reporting, performance, and evaluation:
Reporting in Data Management System(s)
By the end of each quarter, the contractor will ensure that service and participant data are reported through the prescribed online data management and reporting system(s). The contractor will be responsible and liable for reviewing all data entered into the online data management system(s) for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with PCS reporting requirements. Payment for reported number of screenings completed each period will be verified with data system reports prior to payment. Only reports from the data management system will be accepted by PCS.
Performance Measures
Applicants applying for funding of FSG universal, early intervention parent support services in their community will be required to meet FSG annual performance outcome measures in the following areas. Further details can be found in the Statement of Need within the application submission website.
- Families Served
- Linkage/Referrals
- Resources
- Family Health Insurance
- Family Medical Care
- Family Satisfaction Survey
- Protective Factors
Funding
Funding for PCS FSG contracts are based on the number of families screened during the contract year. Please see the charts on page 6 of the Statement of Need within the application submission website for detailed information regarding staffing and funding.
Technical Assistance
PCS asks applicants to direct all questions to the staff listed below. Questions will be permitted until the day before the application submission date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to pose all questions as early as possible in the SON process.
STATEMENT OF NEED QUESTIONS:
Jennifer Bell
Program Specialist
Prevention and Community Support
FIRST STEPS GEORGIA QUESTIONS:
Nicole Copeland
First Steps Georgia State Lead
Georgia Home Visiting Program
706-202-5766
Application Submission
All proposals MUST be submitted electronically.
Information on submitting proposals will be made available at the mandatory informational webinar on April 19, 2024. If you or a representative are unable to attend this webinar, please email Jennifer.Bell@dhs.ga.gov. Use the following link to register for the mandatory webinar: REGISTRATION LINK (https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/eb74db6c-e9c3-4d67-9b3f-a62eaec2be13@512da10d-071b-4b94-8abc-9ec4044d1516)
ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN FULL NO LATER THAN MAY 17, 2024 at 12 (NOON).