Families First, Inc.

Claim Listing

Do you own this business? Claim this listing to add more information.

Contact Information

80 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
United States

Online Contact Form
DayHours
Monday 8 AM-4 PM
Tuesday 8 AM-4 PM
Wednesday 8 AM-4 PM
Thursday 8 AM-4 PM
Friday 8 AM-4 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

For 130 years, Families First has been providing empowering solutions for Atlanta’s most vulnerable population. In 1890, Families First started as an orphanage on the Westside of the city on what is now the Spelman College campus. In 1937, we went on to become the first licensed adoption agency in the state of Georgia. In 1964, we opened the first group home (now called cooperatives) for young people in the state, and in 1989 we developed a curriculum that more than 200 communities across the country use to help divorcing parents learn how to co-parent their children. Now, we are committed to setting up youth for success by young adulthood by providing them with key services to overcome life’s challenges and reach their goals.

We recognize the cycles of poverty are not broken by one program or service alone so we offer a combination of services and supports build resilient families and ensure foster and underserved youth are successful and independent by young adulthood. Through our collaborations with community partners, virtual services, and locations throughout the state of Georgia, Families First is able to impact youth and families by providing counseling services, health and wellness education for pregnant teens, early childhood education, life skills for youth in foster care, parenting classes, supportive housing, adoption facilitation and placement, and so much more.


Services and information

  • Adoption

Requirements to become a foster parent

The DHS assists foster families with placement and ensures the child adjusts well to their new environment. Whether you have years of parenting experience or are relatively new to the idea, they have many support options for families. You can find plenty of information on the DHS/DFCS website or call them for more assistance.

Your local licensed child placement agency also places children in the foster system with carefully matched parents. Although foster care is temporary, it's crucial to find the right fit. That's why parents get a say in age range and gender.

There are also many state support groups for foster families that provide educational resources, services, and more. Connecting with these organizations and adding to your personal support network will be invaluable.

One of the best ways to become a better parent, whether you plan on fostering a child short-term or adopting, is to read as much as you can about Georgia's foster system. For instance, recently proposed bills would help to streamline parts of the state's foster care placement system.

You can find plenty of information available online for free as well. Blogs, podcasts, and videos are all incredibly useful ways to obtain new information about fostering.


Ratings and Reviews

Average user rating

3.9 / 5
Rating breakdown
5
4
3
2
1
If you have an experience with this agency, please write a review.
adrienne favorite
Jun 14, 2017

Great place!

Rating: 5

Maria Jimerson
May 05, 2017

Great for families

Rating: 5

Quajula Harvey
Feb 21, 2017

i was there about three months ago with my son. He was seen by a therapist from Morehouse college. I was unable to get my prescription filled because it needed prior authorization. I tried to call Families First several times and received the run around. I left several messages for DR. Vincent but no one ever returned my calls. I was very disappointed. I received great service, but what is the point if i couldn't get his medication.

Rating: 1

Geoff Bernard
Feb 12, 2017

These folks do great work for the community. Their building was a great way to repurpose an old school.

Rating: 5

Dona Mathews
Jul 11, 2016

Just spoke with Kurt, who I met this evening at a Hip Hop Town Hall meeting. What a wonderful young man, that continues to put his purpose with Families First, well... First.

Rating: 5