First Responders Children’s Foundation Resiliency Program

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.

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Details

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

Is there any cost associated with the program?

The program is free to all children of first responders and their immediate family members. We identify first responders as police, fire, sheriff, emergency medical personnel and 911 dispatchers.

Are first responder family members eligible for services?

Yes! Immediate family members of the child are supported through the program. Family members can call our toll-free number or submit an inquiry for support through the website directly.

Where is the program offered?

The program will initially launch in six states including California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas with more states launching in the coming months.

How do I book an appointment?

Request an appointment or call toll-free (833) 327-3633.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

One of our counselors will be in contact within 24-48 hours. Should you need support sooner, please indicate urgency on your intake form or to the intake operator.

Are the appointments in person or virtual?

The program provides both in person and virtual appointments. Please indicate which service you would prefer and we will try our best to match you with a counselor that best meets your preference.

Will my agency be notified?

All counseling services are completely confidential unless the law requires divulgence. Agencies will NOT be notified unless the first responder requests it. Counseling sessions remain confidential between client and the mental health professional.

Why don’t first responders use their insurance to get counseling?

It is rare for trauma-trained therapists to accept insurance, and if they do accept insurance, they may not be equipped to deal with the intense issues that first responders and their families face.

Is the program available for children of retired first responders?

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

How do I know if my child needs support through this program?

The high levels of stress that first responders experience daily on the job can easily carry over to their spouses and children. Children of first responders may fear for the parents’ safety, worrying about if they will come home at night or if they have been hurt on the job. First responders work long shifts or may be called away suddenly for work and miss important dates like holidays or special accomplishments. Children may feel resentment or disconnected from their parent. Additionally, children can experience secondary or vicarious trauma and exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress. With this information in mind, culturally competent counseling is an extremely effective course of action not only for the first responder, but for the children as well.

What are the benefits of my child participating in the program?

Counselors provide a safe space for children to process their experiences and feelings unique to being in a first responder family. Children learn healthy coping skills to deal with feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, and even grief and loss. Counseling also promotes increased relaxation, healthy relationships, and the confidence to manage difficult situations at home, at school, and with peers. Providing counseling to children of first responders creates a positive impact in their own lives, in their family system, as well as in the community.

What is Secondary Trauma?

First responders risk exposure to dangerous and traumatic events. Unfortunately, the stress from this exposure can make its way home to the family. Consequently, family members of these first responders risk developing secondary trauma.

Excessive worry or fear of something bad happening
Feeling easily startled or “on guard” all the time
Nightmares or recurrent thoughts about traumatic situations

How do I recognize Secondary Trauma in a family member?

When Secondary Trauma affects children, it is difficult for them to ask for help. A child may exhibit subversive behavior, emotional outbursts, or act out in other ways. All of these expressions may be their way of showing their need for support in some of the following areas:

Fear
Anxiety
Isolation
Depression
Nightmares
Undeserved Shame
Victim of Bullying
Public Humiliation
Self-harm ideation
Suicidal thoughts

How do you select counselors?

Counselors have specific training, are hand-picked to deal specifically with children and first responder families. All counselors are vetted through background checks, reference checks, license verification, annual certification, thorough interviewing with clinical team, management team, and first responder team. There is also ongoing oversight and communication through the programs clinical director including quarterly clinician meetings and consistent cross communication between counselors and clinical director.

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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