What is the Family First Intensive, In-home Program?
Your alternative to out-of-home placement for behavioral issues

The Family First program is designed for your family to start over with a fresh approach and foundation. We give you tools to take back control of your family and show you how to implement them in YOUR home and in YOUR unique situation. But it is more than a program. It's a toolkit of brain-based skills that you can rely on for every challenging, new season with their child. Always remember: YOU are the best answer for your child's needs. And we'll guide you to help restore safety, provide hope, and give you the parenting confidence you need.
--Michelle Williams-Alden, LPC (founder of Family First) ​​

The Family First Program

• 2-day parent training (4 hours each day; required) - includes a workbook of skills and how to set up the program in your home.
• 30-90 days of intensive focus on the program - with a Family First certified counselor guiding you every step of the way
• Continued support - wrap-around services as needed​ and access to our encouraging videos

Sign up for Training

TYPICAL PROGRAM - ID MEDICAID (within driving distance of Boise or Blackfoot, ID) & PRIVATE PAY (Boise area only)

PREWORK: Parents prepare for start by completing posters and the new daily schedule​ START DATE: Certified provider introduces the program in the home (all members living in the home are present; 2-4 hours and typically in the evening). FIRST DAY: Certified provider spends 4-5 hours in the home in the morning.  SECOND DAY: 4 hours in the home in the evening. THIRD DAY: 4 hours in the middle of the day.  FIRST & SECOND WEEK: 2-4 hours a day when and where needed/difficult times. THIRD & FOURTH WEEK: 5-10 hours a week depending on need.  30 - 90 DAYS: 5-10 hours a week (varies per situation). ​Additional support Returned to agency for counseling and other wrap-around services as needed.  NOTE: hours in the home vary per family and situation

TYPICAL PROGRAM - ID MEDICAID (NOT within driving distance of Boise or Blackfoot, ID) & PRIVATE PAY OPTION

5 days in the home Day 1 - morning observation; afternoon training and preparation for implementation of program Day 2 - program starts in the morning; Michelle in home all day Day 3 - Michelle in home all day Day 4 - Michelle in home all day Day 5 - Michelle in home - time TBD Additional support Phone/Text/Email access for crisis situations  Weekly check-ins with Michelle (one-hour calls each week for the duration of the 90 days) 6-Month check-in - a one-hour phone call to make sure things are still at least 80% better 9-Month check-in - a one-hour phone call for ideas to make things even better 12-Month check-in - a one-hour final check-in The cost for the services listed above is $10,000-12,000 (depending on location) if not current in Optum Idaho YES program. ​(Must be paid in full prior to confirming a date. We accept cash, check or credit card payment (a 3.5% convenience fee is charged for credit card).

Does insurance pay for Family First?

• Idaho Medicaid pays for this service. See the Parents page for details. 
• We offer a private pay option (see above)
• We also offer a 2-day in-home consulting package 

Next steps:

1. Sign up for Family First Parent training (required for the in-home program but also for any parent struggling with their child)
2. Receive Michelle’s personal recommendation for your family for next steps 
3. Experience safety, hope, and greater confidence in your parenting

Hope starts here: TRAINING DATES AND SIGNUP FORM

About Michelle

FAQ for Parents

I hated it at first but I have to admit, it’s working and things are really changing.”  - from oldest brother in a Family First Family (after just 3 weeks)

The mantras are amazing! But letting go and letting Michelle show us and teach us the new ways to better our family is priceless.  All the effort we put in as parents to do as Michelle showed us is worth it for a better family household and family connection. - A Family First Family