 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152 young parents and 80 children served in 2005
99% families identify as low-income
16% families speak English as a second-language
5 staff members
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
Funded by the Children's Trust Fund, Healthy Families helps first-time parents who are 20-years-old and younger build positive relationships with their children. Healthy Families begins during pregnancy to encourage good prenatal care and continuing education or work and provide developmentally-appropriate parenting education until a child turns three–years-old.
Healthy Families goals include preventing child abuse, preventing repeat pregnancies, attaining education and work goals for a young parent, and developing positive parent-child relationships. Fathers under 20-years-old may participate in all aspects of the program, and older fathers are included in family activities.
Services Offered
Healthy Families offers home-based services that are individualized to the needs and goals set by each young parent. Participants are offered education about pregnancy, childbirth, family planning, child development, home safety, personal safety and community services. Group parenting education classes are offered as well as special topic groups, celebrations and family field trips.
All children in Healthy Families receive developmental screening periodically beginning at four months. When concerns emerge, children are referred to Early Intervention programs for evaluation.
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
- Haitian Creole
Eligibility Criteria
First-time parents who are 20-years-old or younger at referral and who are pregnant or parenting a child less than one year old are eligible for services.
Fees
All services are provided at no cost to participants.
Referrals
Referral should be made by phone and can be made by any of the following:
- High schools
- Medical providers
- Social service agencies
- WIC
To make a referral or for more information, please contact
Megan Postal, LICSW, MPH
Program Coordinator
The Guidance Center's Somerville Office
61 Medford Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Tel: 617.629.3919 x190
Fax: 617.629.4644
PLEASE NOTE: Do not include any client information when communicating via email. Email is for general inquiries only.
Join Our Mailing List
|
