Healthy Families is a nationally recognized evidence-based home visiting program model designed to work with overburdened families who are at-risk for adverse childhood experiences. It is the primary home visiting model best equipped to work with families who may have histories of trauma, intimate partner violence, mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
The program will target first time and teen parents who are residents of St. Mary’s County. Participants are eligible for enrollment in the program prenatally to 90 days after the birth of their child. The program is voluntary, free of charge and will provide intensive support to help families build positive relationships.
The program will offer long-term (3 to 5 years after the birth of the baby) support through home visits. During each home visit, the Family Support Worker will provide parents with information regarding child development, parenting issues, nutrition, health care, behavior, discipline and school readiness.
Healthy Families Southern Maryland began serving St. Mary’s county on October 14, 2014 at the St. Mary’s County Health Department with a full program launch in December 2014.
Inquiries may be directed to:
- Mike Shaw, Director Maternal, Child and Elder Health, St. Mary’s County Health Department by phone at (301) 475-6778 or by e-mail at william.shaw@maryland.gov
- Cheryl DeAtley, Healthy Families Program Coordinator, Center for Children by phone at 301-392-9332 or by e-mail at healthyfamilies@center-for-children.org
