Providers & Referral Sources
Healthy Families New York has worked to improve the health and well-being of infants and children for over 20 years. The program offers home-based services to expectant families and new parents, beginning prenatally or shortly after the birth of the child. Home visitors assist families with creating a safe and nurturing environment for their babies.
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What is Healthy Families New York?
Healthy Families New York, a Healthy Families America accredited home visiting program, seeks to improve the health and well-being of infants and children through home-based services delivered by non-profit organizations in local communities. The program was established in 1995 by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. It is an evidence-based voluntary home visiting model designed to provide services to families that begin prenatally, or at birth, through age five.
What kinds of services are offered?
Our assessment service helps families identify the successes and stressors that are unique to their family. After the assessment, they are provided personalized referrals that meet their family’s needs and goals. Additional services may include: providing information about parenting, infant and child development, and child health; connecting families with medical providers for prenatal/well-baby visits and immunizations; assessing children for developmental delays; and helping families access community referral resources and services.
Who is eligible for the program?
Parents who are pregnant or have at least one child less than three months of age are eligible to be screened for services. For additional eligibility criteria, please contact an HFNY program in your area.
Child Welfare Protocol
Several HFNY programs offer extended eligibility for families referred from child welfare agencies. Programs offering the Healthy Families America Child Welfare Protocol can offer services to families who are pregnant or have at least one child under 24 months of age when the referral comes directly from child welfare. Families DO NOT have to have an open investigation or preventive services case to be referred. Please see the image below to see which counties are currently being offered the Child Welfare Protocol
Why should I refer expectant and new parents?
Home visitors can inform expectant and new parents about the benefits of prenatal care and well-baby visits, and assist them in making and keeping appointments. They can answer questions about child development and help parents maintain a safe and supportive environment for their family. Research from a randomized controlled trial shows that Healthy Families New York works for a diverse array of families, including first-time teen parents and those who have had experience with the child welfare system. Specifically, research shows that Healthy Families New York:
- Improves birth outcomes
- Promotes success in school
- Prevents child abuse and neglect
- Supports positive parenting
- Saves money
How do I make a referral?
Referring is easy! Find a Healthy Families New York program in your area.
© Healthy Families New York