Program Eligibility
Community Partnerships (CP) and the ARTT unit of the Dane County Department of Human Services (DCDHS) purchases services for children and youth enrolled in Children Come First. The services build on the child and family’s strengths and community supports. We work as a team that often includes a broad range of people. We value children and youth remaining in the community.

To enter CCF, a child or youth must meet these criteria:
  1. The family must have an open case with the Dane County Department of Human Services and be referred by a social worker.
  2. Youth Crisis can also refer children and youth to CCF. A case must then be opened with the DCDHS in order for enrollment to occur.
  3. The child or youth must be under 18 years of age.
  4. The child or youth must have a DSM-IV diagnosis.
  5. The child or youth must also have functional impairment in at least two of the following areas: functioning with self-care, functioning in the community, social relationships, family and/or school/work.
  6. The child or youth must be at risk of placement in a hospital or other institutional setting. Examples of this may include recent suicide attempts, self-destructive behavior, and/or assaultive behavior.
  7. The child or youth must also have involvement with two or more of the following systems; Mental health services, Social Services, Special Education, Child Protective services, Juvenile justice system (court).
  8. Cases referred to Children Come First are considered by Dane County’s Administrative Review Board (ARB). ARB meets once a week to review cases.
The program currently has openings.

Thank you for your interest in Community Partnership’s Children Come First Program. Please contact DCDHS to discuss possible enrollment or contact Dusty Rogers, Quality Improvement Manager, at (608) 250-6634 ext. 110 or dusty.rogers@mail.commpart.org, for further information on Community Partnerships, Inc. or Children Come First.