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FAMILIES FIRST 

Families First is the name of Tennessee’s Welfare Reform Program. The temporary cash assistance program emphasizes work, training, and personal responsibility. As part of the Families First program, each participant must agree to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP).

All eligibility for the program is determined by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.  However, the Health Department does serve as a safety net by attempting to contact each client who has been terminated from the Families First Program. This is done primarily by a Social Counselor during a home visit.

• Home visits are made to assure former Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program participants and their children have adequate food, housing and utilities; current well-child check-ups and immunizations; and no evidence of abuse and/or neglect.
• During visits, a family is provided needed information and community resources, ensuring the family is safe and has access to needed health care.

Referrals to the Health Department are received only through the Tennessee Department of Human Services. 

For information on how you can apply for the Families First Program:

Call the Tennessee Department of Human Services @ (423) 634-6200

Or

Go on-line to their web-site @

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