Mental Health Resiliency Program

First Responders Children’s Foundation Resiliency Program

We help children of first responders cope with stress, manage their fears, and build mental resilience.

Mental And Behavioral Health Support For Children Of First Responders

For over 20 years, our foundation has focused on the unique needs of the children of first responders. More than ever, these children carry a heavy burden knowing the daily dangers their parents face. In times of crisis, these burdens weigh even heavier and can impact a child significantly—particularly for those that lose a parent. Our children are our future.

Our program provides free, confidential mental health counseling to children of first responders in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

Children of first responders live each day with the fear that their parent may not return home and are exposed to stories of loss, illness, and danger on a regular basis. These burdens weigh heavily on children, particularly for those who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Given an existing and growing youth mental health crisis, problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression are only magnified for children with first responder parents.

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DONATE AND SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM

"We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to bolster resources and programs available to our families. It is important to ensure everyone is included when focusing on the behavioral health and well being of our membership, especially the youngest members of our Fire Department families."

County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone.

"In a time when a significant percentage of American youth struggle with mental health, the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) Resiliency Program is a welcome addition to the employee wellness resources of the Los Angeles Police Department. Other services provided by FRCF include financial assistance, grants, scholarships and bereavement assistance for both officers and dispatchers. When personal matters are supported, our first responders are able come to work with a state of mind allowing them to better handle the high stress demands of being a public servant. The Los Angeles Police Department is always looking for opportunities to serve those who serve others, and looks forward to working with FRCF."

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore.

"Firefighting is one of the most stressful occupations imaginable—only combat soldiers endure more stress. Firefighters routinely experience stress on the job which inevitably can impact home life. With the First Responders Children's Foundation's new Resiliency Program, LAFD members will be giving their children the best gift - getting them the help they need to cope with stress, manage their fears, and build mental resilience."

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

Details

FRCF helps families manage these ever-present stressors by providing up to ten free counseling sessions from licensed mental health professionals who specialize in treating children of first responders. The confidential nature of these services helps children feel more comfortable sharing concerns and asking for help. Counselors are available in a growing number of states across the country and are vetted by FRCF. Unfortunately, at this time, we are only able to provide services through our network of provider partners and are not able to pay for or reimburse services with therapists outside of this network.

“I know when my father leaves for his shift, there’s always a chance I may never see him again.”

Delaiah, daughter of a police officer

Who We Serve

Our Mental Health Resiliency Program protects and strengthens the mental resiliency of the children of law enforcement (including local, state, and federal), fire services, EMS/EMT/paramedics, and 911 dispatchers who are 25 years of age and younger.

The Vision Is Simple

Confidential and anonymous
Culturally competent
At no cost to first responder families
Provided by licensed mental health professionals
Accessible virtually, with in-person sessions available in select locations dependent on provider availability

We Can Help

FRCF can help if your child is experiencing any of the following: fear, anxiety, depression, nightmares, bullying, or self-esteem issues, amongst other stressors.

First Responders Children’s Foundation does not provide a suicide hotline. If anyone in your family is experiencing suicidal thoughts or an emergency, please call your local emerency number 9-1-1 or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any cost associated with the program?

The program is free for all children of first responders. Please note that any no shows or late cancellation fees are the family’s responsibility.

Who is eligible for this program?

The Mental Health Resiliency Program is available to children of first responders 25 and younger. We identify first responders as law enforcement (including local, state, and federal), fire services, EMS/EMT/paramedics, and 911 dispatchers. In some cases, the parent may be seen as part of a parent coaching session or family sessions, but this, as well as minimum and maximum ages, vary by provider and state. Please note if the child of the first responder is 18 or older they must complete their own referral form.

Where is the program offered?

The program is currently available in nine states: California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas

How do I request services?

Request an appointment here.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Our mental health provider partner in your state will contact you within 72 business hours of FRCF receiving your referral form. They may try and contact you by email, phone call, and/or text message. At that point, you will complete intake with the provider and they will help you schedule your first appointment based on availability.

What should I do if I’m not contacted within 72 hours of submitting my referral form?

Please check your spam inbox and the phone number you provided. It’s possible you may not recognize the phone number or email of the provider, as it will not be First Responders Children’s Foundation trying to contact you. If you confirm that our provider partner has not reached out, please contact natalie@1strcf.org or call 201-580-6625.

Is this confidential?

All information you provide through this HIPAA-secure referral form is 100% confidential and will only be shared with First Responders Children’s Foundation and our culturally-competent counseling partners in order to match you with a provider.

All counseling services are completely confidential unless the law requires divulgence, for example, in situations involving physical abuse, sexual abuse, or other forms of abuse or neglect. Agencies will NOT be notified. Counseling sessions remain confidential between client and the mental health professional.

Are the appointments virtual or in-person?

The program provides virtual appointments. However, in-person appointments may be available in some locations, depending on the provider.

Is this program available for children of retired first responders?

Yes, we serve our retired first responders. We are committed to all our first responders, especially as they enter retirement.

What if my child’s counselor is not the right fit?

From time to time our counselors might not be the best fit for the client they are serving. This happens for a variety of reasons, sometimes personalities are not cohesive. Should this situation occur, we are able to assist in seamlessly assigning a new counselor to your case.

How is FRCF funded?

FRCF services are funded through the generosity of the donations, foundations, corporate sponsorships, and other grant support.

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