First Responders Children’s Foundation Resiliency Program

We help them 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 and wellness resources to children of first responders.

Children of first responders live each day with the fear that their parent may not return home. What’s more, they are exposed to stories of loss, illness and danger. These burdens weigh heavy on children and can impact them significantly—particularly for those who lose a parent in the line of duty. And with an existing mental health crisis among US children overall, stress, anxiety, and depression is only magnified for those with first responder parents.

"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.
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Details

FRCF helps families manage these ever-present stressors by providing free counseling 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 (currently in New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, Tennessee and Florida). The program also provides access to an ever-expanding roster of wellness resources that support a child’s overall mental health and resilience.

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

The First Responders Children’s Foundation Resiliency Program provides expert mental and behavioral health counseling—at no cost to first responder families.  For first responders  the program is free, confidential and developed to help your children manage, process and deal with a range of emotional challenges specific to their unique needs. 

Who We Serve

Our Mental Health Resiliency Program protects and strengthens the mental resiliency of the children of  police, fire, sheriff, emergency medical personnel and 911 dispatchers. 

The Vision Is Simple

Free, confidential, professional, trauma-informed counseling services for  the children of first responders. All therapy services for children and family members are:

  • Confidential and anonymous
  • At no cost to first responder families
  • Provided by licensed mental health professionals
  • Accessible both virtually and in-person

We Can Help 

First Responders Children’s Foundation can help if your child is experiencing any of the following: Fear, anxiety,  isolation, depression, nightmares, undeserved shame, victim of Bullying, public humiliation or self-harm ideation.

Available in Six States

The program is available to first responder families in California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas. The program has been developed to scale into more states.

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 emergency number 9-1-1. Or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Partners

The success of our programs is made possible by the generous support of many donors like you.

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