What is Healthy Families?
Launched in the United States in 1992, Healthy Families America is a national-level program with the aim of promoting a healthy and safe family atmosphere for newborn babies. Healthy Families America envisions that when children receive essential nurturing care from their family, it will lead to a healthy and productive life. The program model developed by Healthy Families America is followed by affiliate programs in many states across the US, including Illinois.
VNA’s Healthy Families program helps first and second-time parents manage the demands of caring for a child during the first three years of baby’s life. A Family Support Specialist and/or Doula visits the home to encourage new parents by partnering with them to strengthen families, offer education, and bring resources from the community. HFA promotes child well-being and prevents the abuse and neglect of children in communities around the world through family-focused and empathic support provided in the home.
The program goals are to cultivate and strengthen nurturing parent-child relationships, to promote healthy childhood growth and development, and to enhance family functioning by reducing risk and building protective factors.
Healthy Families America services can start before the baby is born with prenatal home visits by our doula and home visitor. The services are free to those who are expecting their first or second baby or who have a baby less than three months old. Qualifying families must live in Kane County. Anyone can make a referral to our program.
VNA Health Care’s Healthy Families America program is accredited by Prevent Child Abuse America. It is funded by organizations such as the Illinois Department of Human Services, Exchange Club of Aurora, INC Mental Health Alliance and Start Early.
To learn more about Healthy Families, call (630) 446-6135, ext. 8398.
How does the Healthy Families model Work?
The Healthy Families model is entirely voluntary – meaning, it is up to you to decide if you want to join it. The program does not force parents to accept its service. If you are interested in participating in and receiving the benefits of the program, and you live between the southern Kane County border and the northern border of Elgin, then contact VNA, your nearest HFA site.
Once you reach out to them, the Healthy Families staff will first try to learn more about your current situation. This could be through simple question-and-answer sessions, phone calls, or filling out forms. Once they know your situation, the staff will try to provide the best support your family needs.
This could involve regular home visits by a Family Support Specialist and/or Doula, as well as other forms of support.
What are the Benefits of the Healthy Families Program?
The HFA model has been continuously researched and tested across the US and Canada for over 25 years. The program has shown tremendous benefits for families across several areas, including the following:
- Parents who get home visitors are more confident
- It helps build nurturing parent-child relationships
- It helps in reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect
- Babies who receive home visiting services have healthy childhood growth
- HFA children have a lower risk of child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency
The home visiting program also promotes protective factors for both babies as well as their parent(s). By building protective factors that reduce parental stress, and lowering the chance of substance abuse and domestic violence, Healthy Families provides support to new parents and their children.
How do I Qualify for Home Visitation Services?
First and second time parents residing in Kane County can call to see if you are eligible for the program at (630) 446-6135, ext. 8398.
What Happens During a Home Visit?
A Healthy Families home visit is always friendly and relaxed. The approach of a home visitor and/or doula will depend on your needs and that of the child. They will provide support in areas where you need assistance.
Here are a few things Healthy Families offer:
- Provide guidance on safety
- Education on child development
- Check for any signs of abuse or maltreatment of the child
- Provide access to additional community resources
- Provide health care assistance and parenting tips to families
Contact VNA Health Care Today to Join Healthy Families Illinois
Take advantage of the many resources VNA has to offer you and your family and call (630) 526-7871, ext. 8398 to learn if you qualify for Healthy Families and other free services at VNA.
