A Home Visiting Program that Works

The Importance of Prevention Diverse communities and service providers across the U.S. have come to the same conclusion – violence and maltreatment must be stopped and the most powerful tools available are strategies focused on prevention. “There’s a lot to do to address this problem, but if you could only do one thing – focus on prevention with new parents.” – U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect

How can we prevent child abuse? The Importance of Prevention

A Foundation of Family Supports Adequate housing Reliable transportation Quality child care Parent education and support groups Job training and employment opportunities Substance abuse and mental health counseling and treatment Domestic violence centers Family planning services Preventative health care services Early intervention programs for children with disabilities Healthy marriage and relationship services that promote the well-being of children Public awareness media campaigns

The History of Healthy Families America Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii Family Support Center Prevent Child Abuse America

The History of Healthy Families Florida In the early 90’s, six counties in Florida started a Healthy Families program. Pinellas Orange Hillsborough Duval Polk Sarasota

The History of Healthy Families Florida Success of sites in other states Lack of statewide prevention program Soaring rates of child abuse and neglect Surge of child deaths from abuse and neglect Funding available from tobacco settlement Bi-Partisan Support

The History of Healthy Families Florida Florida Legislature DCF OPFF HFF

The History of Healthy Families Florida

Healthy Families Florida Today

Healthy Families Florida’s Mission To provide a statewide system of voluntary, community-based home visitation services that strengthen families, promote positive parent-child relationships and optimize the health and development of children.

Goal 1: Prevent child abuse and neglect

Five-Year Evaluation Results

Goal 2: Promote child and maternal health and development

Goal 3: Increase parents' ability to develop positive parent-child relationships

Goal 4: Improve self-sufficiency

Goal 5: Ensure families are satisfied with project services

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Services are voluntary Services are initiated during pregnancy or shortly after the birth of the baby.

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Services are offered during flexible hours Services focus on supporting parents and their families

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Families are connected to a medical provider Families are linked to additional services

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Families are encouraged to become involved in existing neighborhood support systems Families receive frequent visits for up to five years

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Home visitors have low caseloads Home visitors receive intensive training and supervision

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Accountability Training Technical Assistance Quality Assurance Fiscal Oversight Data Management Evaluation A statewide system with a central office to provide:

What Are the Key Ingredients to Healthy Families’ Success? Strong collaborative partnerships are established in the community to ensure families receive the services they need beyond home visiting without duplication of effort.

A Home Visiting Program that Works