About Children Come First

Attention: As of January 31, 2023 the Children Come First program is no longer taking referrals. This includes CCF Stabilization and the CCF Hospital Diversion programs. If you have any questions, please contact us through email or call (608) 210-0135

The Children Come First (CCF) program provides wraparound care coordination for children and youth ages 0-19 with diagnosed mental health concerns. CCF’s primary mission is to coordinate mental health treatment, community resources, and supports in order to prevent or reduce the risk of a child being placed out of the family home. The CCF program is a managed care model of care coordination, which allows families and professionals to work collaboratively to identify the needs and goals of a family and select services and supports from the CCF Provider Network that best meet their needs.

 

CCF offers:
  • Strengths-based and individualized approach to care coordination
  • Teaming: families, professionals, friends, and other people are invited to participate in planning and coordinating your child’s care and services
  • Services and supports that are both traditional and non-traditional, and that meet the needs of your child and family
  • Culturally responsive care and planning
  • Crisis planning and support
  • Advocacy services

 

View the CCF program brochure in English here

Enrollment Types

CCF Wraparound offers intensive wraparound care coordination for an average of 18 months, based on the need for this level of care. Children enrolled in CCF Wraparound are considered to be at serious risk of institutional placement (psychiatric hospitalization, residential care center, or corrections).

CCF Family Support offers intensive wraparound care coordination for an average of 18 months to children at risk of placement outside their family home (foster home or group home), or to prevent foster care disruption.

CCF Hospital Diversion provides crisis stabilization and hospital diversion services to children and families for up to 3 months. Hospital Diversion services offer intensive in-home crisis stabilization, safety planning, care coordination, parent support, and behavior management.

 

Eligibility Criteria & Referrals

To qualify for CCF services, a child must: 

  • Have  BadgerCare Medicaid or Medical Assistance
  • Be a Dane County resident, age 0-19
  • Have a DSM mental health diagnosis given by a psychologist or psychiatrist, with symptoms being evident for at least 6 months and expected to persist for a year or longer
  • Have current emotional/behavioral challenges that are putting them at imminent risk of an out of home placement
  • Be involved with at least 2 of the following systems: mental health services, social services, special education, child protective services, and/or the Youth Justice system
  • Be in need of additional support in at least 2 of the following areas: self-care, community safety, social relationships, family relationships, and/or school.

CCF Referrals

To make a referral for CCF services or to learn more about the program and eligibility criteria, call our Central Intake line at (608) 210-0135, or reach us by e-mail. Our Referral Specialist will review your referral information and recommend the CCF enrollment type that you qualify for.

Resources for Families Enrolled in CCF

CCF Family Handbook: Wraparound & Family Support

The CCF Family Handbook is provided to all families at the time of enrollment into the Children Come First program. This handbook will cover important information about your child’s enrollment, what to expect from CCF services, how to plan for services, as well as information about transitioning out of the CCF program.

View a copy of the handbook for families enrolled in CCF Wraparound or CCF Family Support here: CCF Family Handbook

En Español: Manual para de familia de CCF

家庭手册

Cov Me Nyuam Xub Ua Ntej Phau Ntawv Pab Tsev Neeg

CCF Family Handbook: Hospital Diversion

The CCF Family Handbook is provided to all families at the time of their enrollment into the Children Come First (CCF) Hospital Diversion program. This handbook will cover important information about your child’s enrollment with the CCF Hospital Diversion program and will provide information on what to expect from CCF services, how to plan for services, as well as information about transitioning out of the CCF Hospital Diversion program.

View a copy of the handbook for families enrolled in CCF Hospital Diversion by clicking here: CCF HDP Family Handbook-RISE

En Español: Manual para de familia de CCF HDP

家庭手册

Cov Me Nyuam Xub Ua Ntej Phau Ntawv Tsev Neeg

CCF Provider Directory

The CCF program operates a provider network comprised of both traditional and non-traditional services. When youth are enrolled in CCF, their team and CCF Coordinators and/or Clinical Specialists are responsible for selecting, authorizing, and coordinating services.
Click on the links below to view a copy of our current CCF Provider Directory.

If you would like a free paper copy of any of our handbooks or the directory, please call 608-250-6634.

If you would like to make a call toll-free call please dial 888-201-6681.

Resources for CCF Providers

If you are interested in joining the CCF Provider Network or have questions about your current contract with Children Come First (CCF), please contact Scott Strong.

Provider Application Materials

Completed forms can be sent to Scott Strong:
RISE
Attn: Provider Network
2120 Fordem Ave.
Madison, WI 53704

 

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