Healthy Families New York Program - Improving Child Well-Being Through Home Visiting

Ulster County Healthy Families ERIN CASTIGLIONE, PROGRAM MANAGER

Healthy Families America/Healthy Families New York Healthy Families New York (HFNY), a Healthy Families America (HFA) 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. HFNY was established in 1995 by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Healthy Families program sites are located across 38 states, the District of Columbia, 5 US Territories, and Israel. HFNY over 40 program across New York State, two of which are hosted by IFH (Ulster and Dutchess). https://www.healthyfamiliesnewyork.org/sites2.htm

What is Healthy Families? HFNY is an evidence-based, free and voluntary home visiting model designed to provide services to families that begin prenatally, or at birth, through age five. The goals of the program are to: Support positive parent-child bonding and relationships Promote child development Support family health and safety Enhance family self-sufficiency Decreasing stressors and improving mental health

What does Healthy Families do? Home visitors develop relationships with Ulster County families and partners with parents to support them in: Positive parent child interaction Healthy child development Healthy relationships Achieving personal and family goals Connections to community resources when needed

What makes UCHF different and unique UCHF uses a model that is relationship-based, culturally sensitive, family centered, and strength-based We work with families from all walks of life We aim to work with the entire family

What happens during a visit? We let families guide the visit! Home visitors bring an assortment of information and activities for families covering a wide range of topics such as (but not limited to): Labor & Delivery Breast & Bottle Feeding Introducing Solid Foods Child Development & Activities Positive Discipline Nutrition Car Sear Safety Pre-school/Pre-K/Kindergarten Readiness

Healthy Families New York- Video Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXkzwdhFRww English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DveZ4bpMjCc

Characteristics of Staff Ulster County Healthy Families 6 Family Support Specialists (FSS), 1 Family Resource Specialist (FRS), 2 FSS Supervisors, 1 Senior FRS, 1 Program Assistant, and 1 Program Manager 6 workers are bilingual (4 Spanish, 2 Hindi/Urdu/Punjabi) 2 Certificated Lactation Counselors (CLCs). Currently we have 2 openings for the FSS position Evidence based curriculum is offered in English and Spanish as well as handouts/materials.

Healthy Families New York Works Healthy Families New York is an evidence-based program Research shows Healthy Families New York (HFNY) works for many families, from first time teen parents to families with other children. Families have healthier babies, demonstrate better knowledge of parenting and child development, create positive family bonds, develop connections to community services, and have children who do better in school.

The Evidence Has Shown Improves birth outcomes 48% reduction in low birth weight deliveries among women who enrolled before the 31stweek of pregnancy.

Supports Positive Parenting At age 2, home visited mothers were more likely to endorse appropriate limit setting strategies. At age 3, home visited mothers were more likely to be observed using parenting strategies that stimulated the child s cognitive skills and were sensitive to the child s needs and cues. At age 7, home visited mothers used non-violent discipline strategies more often.

Promotes Success in School 50% less likely to repeat first grade. 70% more likely to score above grade level in first grade on three specific behaviors that promote learning. 2.7 times more likely to be participating in a gifted program by age 7. 26% reduction in receipt of special education services by age 7. 23% reduction in below-average scores for receptive vocabulary for children of young, first-time mothers who enrolled in the program early in pregnancy.

UCHF Referrals Our goal is to utilize a universal screening process. This means that anyone who is pregnant or parenting a child younger than three months old, is eligible for the Ulster County Healthy Families Program. Ulster County Healthy Families serves the entire county, and families enrolled in our program must reside within Ulster County. If/when we receive a referral for a family that does not reside within our catchment area, we can facilitate the connection between that person and the Healthy Families program associated with their county. Once a referral is received, a Family Resource Specialist will reach out to the family within 24-48 hours. When contact is made, an overview of the program is provided as well as an explanation of how services are individualized for each family. If the family is interested, we will move forward with the get to know you visit. After a family enrolls in the Ulster County Healthy Families program, the assigned Family Support Specialist will reach out to provide that update. If the family does not respond or accept services within a timely fashion, we are happy to provide updates about outreach/ contact with that particular family. Do you know someone who may be interested in the Healthy Families Program? Referrals can be faxed to the Ulster County Healthy Families Office: (845) 331-2909 or Received through email: Rsenate@institute.org Ecastiglione@institute.org

Thank you! Erin Castiglione, CLC Program Manager Office: 845-339-8551 X3517 Work Cell: 845-802-6750 ecastiglione@institute.org Please visit us online! https://institute.org/healthy-families-ulster-county/