Why Children First?
Children First exists to provide HOPE, HEALING and PREVENTION through child-focused therapies and education. Because family violence is learned behavior, it is imperative that children receive emotional healing as early as possible to break the cycle of abuse.

Founded in 1977, we have been serving residents of over 40 zip codes in the Metroplex, especially in Grand Prairie, Arlington, and Dallas, who are recovering from abuse, neglect, and other trauma, yet who often face the steepest barriers to getting timely care. In Tarrant County (home to Arlington and adjacent to Grand Prairie), public health data show the cumulative scale of harm: from 2014–2023 there were 58,021 confirmed child victims of abuse/neglect, along with 7,126 adults with disabilities and 21,197 older-adult victims in Tarrant County investigations. Statewide, the youngest children are at the highest risk of the most devastating outcomes.

Texas DFPS reports that over the past 10 fiscal years, children age 3 and younger account for almost 80% of confirmed child maltreatment fatalities; in FY2024, children age 3 and younger made up 70.7% of confirmed child abuse/neglect fatalities. These realities underscore the urgent need for trauma-informed intervention that starts early, before trauma becomes a lifelong pattern.

Each year, caring supporters like you enable Children First to provide several thousand hours of counseling to hundreds of children, teens and adults. 

Other ways you can help!
Volunteer to assist with events:
• Invite family, friends, and business associates to participate by attending and/or sponsoring
• Solicit donations for raffles, auctions, etc.
• Share our story with your friends and coworkers.
• Be an ambassador for Children First.
• Use your contacts to engage individuals who might want to help us further our
mission.
• Give through offering of any special skills you might have:
• Marketing
• Social Media
• Graphic Arts
• Data base experience
• Event planning or décor
• Prize item collection
• Leadership/Governance

Yes, I would like to be considered for a Board position to assist, guide and strengthen Children First. 

As a member of the Board of Directors:
• I will be an ambassador for Children First in my community.
• I will attend 75% of all Board and committee meetings.
• I will commit to actively serving on at least one committee.
• I will respond when asked if I will be attending meetings and Events.
• I will make a monthly/annual recurring contribution to Children First in an
amount meaningful to me.
• I will actively participate in fundraising events and campaigns.
• I will stay informed and actively participate in policymaking, planning and all board matters, excusing myself only when there is a conflict of interest.
• I will review board packets in advance of each board meeting.
• I will work in good faith with other board members and partners to achieve our
goals.

Children First will be responsible to me in the following ways:
• If a vote is to be taken, I will be sent relevant information helpful for making an informed decision, prior to the vote.
• The Board President and/or the CEO will be available, should I have questions on issues about the organization.
• I will be informed about issues facing our agency. 
• Board members and staff will work in good faith with me toward what is best for Children First.
• If Children First does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call upon the President of the Board and/or the CEO to discuss the organization's responsibilities with me.

By signing, I acknowledge my consent to be considered for a board position on the Children First Board (d/b/a Children First Counseling Center) as openings arise.