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First Things First Emergency Response - Family Support

Arizona is facing unprecedented, tumultuous economic times. Families are facing tremendous financial and emotional stress, threatening the well-being of young children. The First Things First (FTF) Board has determined that it must take immediate and proactive actions to shore up the foundation of early childhood and development of children birth through age five. The FTF Board has expressed a desire to help mitigate some of the economic damage and turmoil and respond immediately to the urgent needs of Arizona’s young children and families.

To respond to the dire challenges being faced by families with young children, the FTF Board has received approval from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) for a bid waiver, granting authority to expedite the awarding of contracts quickly in certain strategy areas through a non-competitive process. To provide immediate supports for children and families, FTF is focusing on family support strategies that will help prevent abuse and neglect of children, which increases in times of financial and emotional stress. Families need access to supports for a safe and stable home environment.

FTF Regional Partnership Councils have been given the option to expedite the award of family support strategies without FTF Board approval. The Central Phoenix, Central Maricopa, Coconino, Cochise, Gila, Graham/Greenlee, LaPaz/Mohave, Navajo/Apache, North Phoenix, Northeast Maricopa, North Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Southeast Maricopa, South Pima, and Yavapai Regional Partnership Councils approved to expedite their family support strategies. The Regional Partnership Councils will engage in a process to immediately identify organizations to implement these strategies.

Below is information on the expedited process for each Regional Council.

Please review the standards of practice for home visitation.