Healthy Families America

Healthy Families America

Helping expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start through home visiting by Registered Nurses and Family Support Workers.

HEALTHY FAMILIES AMERICA Being a parent is rewarding, but it can also be challenging. We want to help you give your child every opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.

If you’re expecting a baby or already have a newborn at home, NOW is the right time to sign up.

What is the Healthy Families America Program?

Healthy Families America is a free program that helps new parents get their children off to a healthy start. An HFA Nurse or Family Support Worker makes regular visits to your home to help ensure your baby is healthy and that you have the best information about early develoment stages. Even better, you’ll have someone you can trust to make sure both you and your baby are thriving.

Who should be referred?

Low-income or at-risk mothers who are pregnant or have a newborn younger than three months old. An HFA Family Support Worker will determine final eligibility.

Who can refer?

Healthcare providers, schools and social service agencies. Pregnant women may also refer themselves.

How is the service provided?

The home visiting program can be a multiyear commitment during which a Nurse or Family Support Worker will be dedicated to your family throughout your participation in the program. Home visits begin when your baby is born and continue until the baby’s third birthday. Home visits include education and support on pregnancy, health, parenting, and child development.

Who provides the service?

Registered Nurses and Family Support Workers trained in the HFA model. Bilingual/ Spanish services are also available.

What is the cost?

As this program is largely funded through grants from the Delaware Division of Public Health, all services are FREE. Healthy Families America is a program of Children & Families First and Delaware Thrives, an initiative of Delaware Health and Social Services.

What help can the Nurse and Family Support Worker provide? ∞ Help you have a healthy pregnancy ∞ Provide information on nutrition ∞ Provide information and support on breastfeeding ∞ Offer information and support on postpartum depression ∞ Discuss whether your baby’s sleep environment is safe ∞ Provide information on general care of newborns

Send referrals to: (855) 462-0427 (Fax)

Children & Families First Office Locations

HFAnewcastlereferrals@cffde.org HFAkentsussexreferrals@cffde.org

New Castle County:

Questions?

2005 Baynard Blvd.

Wilmington, DE 19802

New Castle County Rebeca McMillan (302) 777-9746 rebeca.mcmillan@cffde.org Kent & Sussex Counties Jessica Pepper (302) 604-6304 jessica.pepper@cffde.org

Kent County:

Sussex County:

91 Wolf Creek Blvd. 410 S. Bedford St. Dover, DE 19901 Georgetown, DE 19947 Children & Families First provides culturally competent services to persons who are deaf/hard of hearing and/or non-English speaking free of charge.

Interpretation and other aids are available upon request.

∞ Share the latest news on early childhood ∞ Help you find activities and resources for babies and families in your community

OURMISSION Children & Families First helps children facing adversity on their journey to adulthood. We use proven methods to help families raise their children so they can flourish.

OURVISION Communities where children are nurtured and safe; individuals are valued; and families are strong and self-sufficient.

It’s not just our name,

IT’S OUR PROMISE

Children & Families First Children & Families First strengthens Delaware families by delivering an innovative and effective continuum of community-based social services.

In existence for more than 130 years, CFF builds the foundation for strong communities with child-centered and family-focused programs.

Children & Families First does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed or religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, handicap, political affiliation, or any other discriminatory basis or criteria.

Licensed by the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families ; Accredited by the Council on Accreditation Member of the United Way of Delaware; Partner Agency of the United Way of Delaware; Member of the Alliance for Children and Families; Member of the Children’s Home Society of America Revised 8/2016