General Overview

The transition to motherhood can be particularly challenging for many mothers and home visits can prove extremely helpful.

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Goals of Program

• Improve pregnancy outcomes by helping women engage in good preventive health practices, including thorough prenatal care from their healthcare providers, improving their diets, and reducing their use of cigarettes, alcohol and illegal substances
• Improve child health and development by helping parents provide responsible and competent care
• Improve the economic self-sufficiencies of the family by helping parents develop a vision for their own future, plan future pregnancies, continue their education and find work

First Steps

First Steps program, will offer home visits from a social worker to help foster relationships, provide support, and help you nurture your children. Your social worker will provide ongoing home visits to you that include education, guidance, and support to help you and your children. Services are also available with registered nurses to provide health assessments for both you and your baby.

Home visits are available to any pregnant woman and/or family with a baby (birth through one year). Women may be referred through other community programs or women may call to begin receiving services.

Newborn Home Visits

The Newborn Home Visits program in which registered nurses visit, provide educational materials, and provide health assessments to both the mother and child within a month of release from the hospital. Registered nurses provide health assessments to both mother and baby after leaving the hospital or birthing center to ensure the healthiest start possible. Families receive physical, social, and nutrition assessments for mother and baby. Education is provided on a variety of topics, including growth, development, and newborn care. Referrals are made to community resources, if needed.

Women of newly delivered babies living in Shawnee County may receive a home visit. Families may be referred through other community resources or individuals may call to receive a visit.

Nurse Family Partnership

Nurse Family Partnership will offer regular home visits throughout your pregnancy and until your baby turns two years of age. Your nurse will provide education, support and guidance. Your nurse can help you get other helpful services in the community. Together, you and your nurse will work on your personal goals to help you and your baby be as successful and health as possible. Any pregnant woman with their first baby may enroll during the first or second trimester of their pregnancy. Women may be referred through other community programs or may call to begin receiving services.