The Afterschool Care Program is located within the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Collaborative Services Section. The program provides federal funding to non-profit organizations and public agencies who serve youth and families during the out-of-school time and is designed to support DFCS’ broader goal of assisting and supporting families.

The mission of the Afterschool Care Program is to provide resources to youth-serving organizations within the state of Georgia who serve families within low-to-moderate income communities and the foster care system. 

The vision of the Afterschool Care Program is to ensure every child and youth has access to high quality youth development programming within their community.  

Educational attainment, positive youth development and an enhanced well-being are key factors in ensuring our youth successfully transition into adulthood.  Through out-of-school time programs, parents and caregivers can ensure their youth have a safe and enriching environment when the traditional school day ends that provides them with activities, tools and resources that not only compliment their school day learning but supports their emotional, mental and physical well-being. Through out-of-school time programs, parents and caregivers can ensure their youth have a safe and enriching environment when the traditional school day ends. By providing funding through a Statement of Need (SoN) solicitation process, DHS partners with community-based organizations and public agencies throughout the state of Georgia who provide services to youth and their families.

The goals of the DHS Afterschool Care Program are to:

• Strengthen youth-serving organizations and institutions by providing funding that increases their capacity to design, implement, and sustain quality youth development programs and services;

• Provide opportunities for youth to establish positive relationship with their peers and caring adults during traditional non-school day hours; and ; 

• Provide technical assistance to organizations and agencies as they implement services and activities that support their youth’s overall well-being as they prepare for and transition into young adulthood.