Children's Medical Services (CMS)

ABOUT

Children 1st is Georgia’s public health entry point for children from birth up to age 5 who may be at risk for developmental delays or health-related challenges. Families, healthcare providers, or caregivers start the process by completing the Children 1st Screening and Referral Form and sending it—by mail or fax—to their local Children 1st coordinator, whose contact details can be found using the state’s Maternal and Child Health service locator.

Once the referral is submitted, the Children 1st team schedules appropriate developmental or health screenings. Depending on the needs identified, they connect children with services such as Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), Babies Can’t Wait, WIC, or Children’s Medical Services. They may also offer ongoing monitoring and support even if a child does not qualify for other programs. Participation is free and available in every Georgia county.