The Therapy and Family Advocacy Program is designed to fill in the gaps that were created when major changes were made, in 2006, to Indiana’s First Steps Early Intervention System. These changes were to the eligibility for services and the availability of Service Coordination.

The Therapy and Family Advocacy Program offers the following services to families in DeKalb, Noble, and Steuben Counties:

Therapeutic Services are provided for children who are identified with needs but do not meet the state’s new eligibility requirements.

Children are referred to the Therapy and Family Advocacy by the therapist who does the evaluation, by service coordinators, or by physicians. A Children First Family Advocate will contact the family, explain the program and invite them to participate. The Family Advocate will convene a conference with the family and practitioners to determine the most appropriate service mode. Children First therapists will see some children in their homes and other in groups, weekly or monthly. Parents will always be encouraged to participate in the therapy sessions.

Family Advocacy Services are available for families enrolled in First Steps, but who are in need of more help than the current Service Coordination system allows.

A Children First Family Advocate will provide families with services that are in addition to those provided by First Steps. The Family Advocate will help families sign-up for medical assistance, connect with necessary family supports, transition to other programs, become knowledgeable about their child’s disability and, most importantly, will help parents learn to advocate for their children.