The Geauga Family First Council is a collaborative of local agencies and community representatives who pool resources and work together to strengthen Geauga families. Council helps remove barriers through prevention, early intervention, and the provision of services which support the entire family.
Council programs and services are provided to multi-system youth 0-21 who live in Geauga County.
Most of the children and adolescents served by Council are involved with more than one of the following agencies:
Geauga Family First Council Services are available to all Geauga County families with children ages 0-21 regardless of income. Local funding is provided by Geauga County Job & Family Services, Geauga County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services Board, Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and the Geauga Board of County Commissioners, along with some state funding.
There is no cost to you for Geauga Family First Council Services.
Not sure if Council services are right for you or your family? Contact Lori Babik at 440-285-1203 or via email at Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov to find out.
Council’s Service Coordination process helps families and young people by connecting them to the right resources they need. This includes both formal help (like doctors or teachers) and informal help (like family or friends). These services bring together a team of people who work together to create a plan that helps and supports the family.
Lori will guide you through the intake process, where the child’s needs, values, and preferences are explored. Lori will help lead meetings to make plans that will help the young person and their family. The goal is for the team to work together to make things better.
In addition, Council may also be able to fund supportive and pro-social services for your multi-system child. Examples may include: therapeutic horseback riding lessons, art lessons, in-home & out-of-home respite, gymnastic lessons, and in-home counseling. Council also funds residential treatment, group homes, and drug/alcohol treatment for young adults if they qualify for our services.
Council’s Inter-Disciplinary Teams are composed of knowledgeable, well-qualified, skilled representatives from different community agencies and disciplines in Geauga County. These experienced professionals provide well thought out recommendations. Parents and agency staff are welcome to present cases. Council can convene an Inter-Disciplinary Team meeting on Mondays at 10:30 am or Thursdays at 2:00 pm. Please contact Council’s Service Coordinator, Lori Babik at (440) 285-1203 or Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov to discuss your case prior to completing an intensive intake form.
If you are requesting a pro-social activity / goods & services, one of Council’s Inter-Disciplinary Teams will review your request via email to allow services/supports to be put in place quickly. Requests must be sent to us a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the start date of the requested activity/service.
Council also funds residential treatment placements, on a temporary basis, for a small number of youth whose needs can’t be met through services and supports within the Geauga community.
If you are requesting funding for a pro-social activity / goods & services:
Council should be considered the payor of last resort. Council funding is intended for multi-system youth living in Geauga County. If a multi-system youth is eligible for Medicaid, the family needs to apply for OhioRISE. While eligibility is being determined, you can apply for FFC funding. Future funding determinations will be dependent on following thru with the OhioRISE application.
Email the completed form, Release of Information, and supporting documentation a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the start date of the requested activity / service to Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov AND Rachael.Tetlow@jfs.ohio.gov.
If you have an intensive case you’d like to present virtually to an Inter-Disciplinary Team [ie: Bridges, Crossroads, Engage, Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Intensive Home-Based Treatment (IHBT), Multisystemic Therapy (MST), out-of-home placement, or a difficult case for direction/suggestions]:
Please contact Council’s Service Coordinator, Lori Babik at (440) 285-1203 or Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov to discuss the case prior to filling out the intensive form.
Council can convene an Inter-Disciplinary Team meeting on Mondays at 10:30 am or Thursdays at 2:00 pm.
After you’ve talked with Lori, the intensive form must be filled out in its entirety and submitted a minimum of 5 business days prior to the scheduled presentation date set. Please email the completed form, Release of Information, and supporting documentation to Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov AND Rachael.Tetlow@jfs.ohio.gov.
If you know of a child who may qualify for Council services, please share Lori’s name and phone number with them.
Lori is happy to call and/or meet with a family to discuss Council services and see if the family would like to enroll if they qualify. Lori will help the family explore natural and professional support to help the family and maximize the child’s opportunities for success.
Council may also be able to fund supportive and pro-social services for multi-system children. Examples may include: therapeutic horseback riding lessons and in-home counseling.
Lori Babik
(440) 285-1203
Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov
Not sure where to turn?
We are here to help.
Please contact Lori to discuss services that may benefit your family.
Lori Babik
(440) 285-1203
Lori.Babik@jfs.ohio.gov
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Council exists under the Ohio Revised Code for the purpose of improving the well-being of families and children.
If you need to report child or elder abuse, please call Geauga County Job & Family Services at 440-285-9141 or afterhours contact the COPEline at 440-285-5665.