What is the DFCS Afterschool Care Program?
Operating under the Georgia DFCS, the Afterschool Care Program focuses on channeling federal resources into effective community programs. It supports initiatives that provide safe, constructive environments for young people during out-of-school hours. This strategic placement within the DFCS Well-Being Services Section underscores the program’s commitment to the holistic development and welfare of Georgia’s youth. By targeting non-profits and public agencies, the program ensures that funding reaches organizations deeply embedded in communities and dedicated to public service.
Mission and Vision for Georgia’s Youth
The core mission of the Afterschool Care Program is to strategically distribute resources to organizations throughout Georgia that are actively involved in youth services. These organizations often support families within low-to-moderate income brackets and those navigating the foster care system. The overarching vision is ambitious yet essential: to guarantee that every child and young person in Georgia has access to high-quality youth development programs within their own community. This vision recognizes the critical role of accessible, quality programs in fostering positive youth trajectories.
Goals of the Afterschool Care Program
The DFCS Afterschool Care Program is structured around three primary goals, each designed to strengthen the fabric of youth support in Georgia:
- Enhancing Organizational Capacity: A key objective is to bolster youth-serving organizations by providing financial resources. This funding is intended to increase their capabilities in designing, implementing, and maintaining impactful youth development programs and services. By strengthening these organizations, the program aims to create a more robust and sustainable network of support for young people.
- Fostering Positive Youth Relationships: The program aims to create environments where young people can build positive relationships with peers and mentors during non-school hours. These relationships are crucial for social and emotional development, providing a supportive network outside of the school and family settings.
- Providing Essential Technical Assistance: Recognizing that effective programs require ongoing support, the Afterschool Care Program is committed to offering technical assistance to organizations and agencies. This support is tailored to help them implement services and activities that contribute to the overall well-being of youth as they mature and transition into adulthood, ensuring programs are effective and sustainable.
Benefits of Afterschool Care Programs
Investing in afterschool care programs yields substantial benefits for communities and families. These programs offer more than just childcare; they are pivotal in youth development. For working parents, afterschool programs provide peace of mind, knowing their children are in safe, enriching environments. These programs also contribute significantly to preventing welfare dependency by promoting educational attainment and positive youth development. By engaging in structured activities, youth in afterschool programs often show improved academic performance, enhanced social skills, and a stronger sense of community. They also benefit from positive adult role models and engaging activities that broaden their horizons beyond the school curriculum.
Contact the Afterschool Care Program
For those seeking more detailed information about the Afterschool Care Program, or for inquiries regarding funding and partnerships, the DFCS Afterschool Care Program team is readily available.
Contact Information:
Phone: (404) 657-4651
Email: [Email Protected](mailto:[email protected])
By reaching out, organizations and agencies can explore opportunities to collaborate with the DFCS Afterschool Care Program and contribute to the positive development of Georgia’s youth through impactful afterschool initiatives.
