The program provides temporary cash assistance, job training, employment assistance, and support services. The program requires a Personal Responsibility Plan and a Work Plan if participants are not exempt from the work requirement. Custodial parents must cooperate in establishing paternity to obtain child support or lose their benefits. Non-custodial parents must make regular child support payments or face legal action. Cash payments do not increase if the family size increases while receiving benefits.
Families have goal oriented, time-limited, individualized work plans.
Families are given the opportunity to complete their high school education or GED and to advance their skills. Cash benefits are time-limited and tied to goals achieved. As participants go to work, they continue to receive transitional services. Faith Organizations Churches, civic organizations and communities across the state joined forces with Families First to provide training, mentoring, clothes closets, grants, and other services for Families First participants. Families First Advisory Councils are in all 95 counties.