ATLANTA (April 1, 2025) – Youth Villages, a national nonprofit leader in children’s mental and behavioral health services, today announced a pilot contract with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities to expand its evidenced-based Intercept program to Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale counties, bringing access to in-home prevention care to more Georgia families.

“We are thrilled to bring the Intercept program to Rockdale, Douglas, and Paulding counties,” said Tanya Anderson, executive director of Youth Villages Georgia. “Our goal is to help more families stay together and thrive by providing the support and resources they need right in their homes.”

Prior to this announcement, Youth Villages offered Intercept in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

“This expansion aims to provide intensive in-home services to more families, helping children with serious emotional and behavioral problems stay with their families and avoid out-of-home placements,” said Jameta Wheeler, Youth Villages Georgia State Manager for In-Home Services. “Intercept focuses on strengthening family bonds and improving communication and parenting skills.”

Expanding Intercept to Douglas County is especially poignant because of Youth Villages’ presence there. Youth Villages Inner Harbour 1,200-acre residential treatment campus is in Douglasville, and the organization is an integral part of the community.

Intercept offers a comprehensive approach to family intervention, focusing on parent skill development and evidence-based mental health services. It is designated as “Well-Supported” by the Federal Administration for Children and Families Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

By working closely with families in their homes, Intercept specialists address a wide range of issues, from school challenges to trauma, abuse and neglect, ensuring that children receive the support they need in a familiar environment. Intercept is appropriate for children ranging in age from birth to 18, with services lasting four to nine months (typically, four to six months for prevention or six to nine months for reunification). Specialists meet with families two to three times a week, providing personalized support tailored to each family’s needs.

For more information, please visit Youth Villages’ Intercept Program.

About Youth Villages
Youth Villages is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services, partnerships with innovative public agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,500 employees serve more than 43,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations. Learn more at youthvillages.org.

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