For 30 years, the Association Children First has been dedicated to creating a better world for children, youth, and families.

Since our founding in 1994, as a civil society organization, we have supported the most vulnerable members of our society, focusing especially on those living in at-risk environments.

We have designed and implemented over 300 projects and programs, reaching more than 40,000 children, youth, parents, guardians, foster carers, and professionals. Through over 150,000 hours of counseling, hundreds of psychosocial support workshops, and thousands of preventive and socialization activities, we strive to empower individuals and families, helping them navigate everyday challenges.

Humanitarian work is also a significant part of our story. Over the years, we have provided much-needed assistance to socially disadvantaged families, including food, hygiene products, medicines, school supplies, and other essentials. Our support comes when it is needed most, helping families overcome difficult life situations.

Collaboration with social welfare institutions, educational organizations, related associations, and professionals is one of our priorities. We organize and provide training, supervision, and internships for students in the humanities, creating opportunities for professional growth and development.

As advocates for children’s rights, we have published 11 manuals and brochures, participated in working groups and public administration bodies, and, through various collaborations and networks, promoted the importance of protecting children and families. We actively engage in shaping and monitoring public policies to encourage national and local institutions to act more effectively in the best interests of children.

We are members of the Network of Psychosocial Counseling Centers, the Network of Associations for Children, and the Croatian Network Against Poverty, and we actively participate in the international organization Eurochild.

Our mission is clear: to build a community where every child, regardless of their life circumstances, has the opportunity to live safely, loved, and respected.

“A safe society for safe children.”

“Through professional approaches, we empower children, youth, and families, with special care for those at risk of social exclusion. In collaboration with various systems that care for children and youth, we apply and promote integrated approaches and best practices.”

The key principles that guide Children First include humanity, respect for others and diversity, dignity, and expertise.

The association bases its work on the values of social sensitivity and justice, tolerance, non-discrimination, respect for diversity, and equal rights for all citizens, aligned with democratic, human, and children’s rights.

Our activities are aimed at the common good and aligned with the needs of our users. The association operates professionally, grounded in scientific knowledge, and in line with national strategies and laws of the Republic of Croatia, as well as the European regulatory framework for protecting children’s rights and reducing poverty and social exclusion.

In working with users, our core principles include a holistic perspective, individualized and family-centered approaches, empowering users to take active and responsible roles in addressing their challenges, and respecting their right to self-determination.

To more effectively contribute to building a child-centered society, fostering cohesion and social capital, we focus on networking and collaboration to promote best practices and mutual learning, integrated approaches, volunteerism, and the development of social innovations.

We are open to collaboration with organizations, institutions, and individuals who want to participate in creating positive changes in the community through activities, projects, actions, and initiatives.

Our joint efforts can make a real difference!
Feel free to contact us with any inquiries or collaboration proposals via email at:

djeca.prva@djeca-prva.hr