Older youth, children with special needs, and those who have been waiting the longest often…
If your young child is struggling with behavior, emotions, or stress – and you are feeling overwhelmed – you are not alone. Early childhood can be one of the most important and challenging stages of development.
That’s why CHS offers Child First, an evidence-based program designed to support families with young children and build strong, healthy relationships from the very beginning.
What Is Child First?
Child First is a home-based, trauma-informed program that supports children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. It combines mental health services with family support to help young children develop strong emotional foundations and healthy relationships.
The program includes:
- A licensed clinician who provides therapeutic support
- A family resource specialist who connects families to community services
- Flexible, in-home sessions tailored to your schedule and needs
The focus is simple: strengthen the parent-child relationship while addressing the stressors that impact the whole family.
Who Is Child First For?
Child First is designed for families with children ages 0–5 who may be experiencing:
- Frequent tantrums or challenging behavior
- Anxiety, withdrawal, or difficulty managing emotions
- Exposure to trauma or ongoing stress
- Developmental or behavioral concerns at home or in childcare
It can also support families navigating:
- Foster care or kinship care
- Financial stress or instability
- Parental mental health challenges
Services are currently available in select North Carolina counties for families who meet eligibility requirements.
How Does Child First Work?
Child First uses a two-generation approach, meaning it supports both the child and the caregiver at the same time.
Step-by-Step Support
- Assessment and Relationship Building
A clinician gets to know your family, your child, and your goals. - Therapeutic Support
Sessions focus on managing behaviors, strengthening connection, and building emotional skills. - Resource Connection
Families are connected with services such as housing, healthcare, or childcare support. - Ongoing Guidance
Support continues as families build stability and confidence over time.
This approach helps children feel safe and supported so they can focus on learning and growing, not just coping with stress.
Why Early Childhood Mental Health Matters
The early years of a child’s life shape everything that follows from emotional well-being to learning and development.
Child First is designed to:
- Reduce the impacts of trauma and chronic stress
- Strengthen caregiver-child relationships
- Improve emotional regulation and behavior
- Support healthy brain development
The goal is to shift a child’s focus from survival to learning, building a stronger foundation for the future.
Proven Results
Child First is backed by strong outcomes:
- 91% of families have their service needs addressed within one year
- 42% reduction in aggressive and defiant behaviors
- 64% decrease in maternal depression and mental health concerns
- 68% improvement in child language development
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Child First help with?
Child First helps young children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges while also supporting caregivers in managing stress and strengthening relationships.
Is Child First therapy?
Yes. It includes trauma-informed therapeutic services delivered by a licensed clinician, along with practical family support.
Is Child First only for children in foster care?
No. While it supports children in foster or kinship care, it is also available to families experiencing stress, trauma, or developmental concerns.
Does Child First provide services at home?
Yes. Services are primarily in-home, making it easier for families to participate and receive support in their everyday environment.
When Should You Seek Support?
You may benefit from Child First if your child:
- Has frequent or intense behavioral challenges
- Seems unusually anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed
- Has experienced trauma or major stress
- Is struggling to communicate or connect
Or if you, as a caregiver, feel:
- Overwhelmed by parenting challenges
- Unsure how to support your child’s emotional needs
- In need of additional resources or guidance
Building Stronger Families from the Start
At CHS, we believe strong families are the foundation of strong communities. Child First reflects that belief by investing in relationships early, we can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
Because when children feel safe, supported, and connected, everything else becomes possible.
If you’re looking for early childhood mental health support in North Carolina, CHS is here to help.