This online resource from the Office of Justice Programs presents the results of an evaluation of the Healthy Families America program.
This online resource presents the results of an evaluation of the Healthy Families America program that has been implemented in New York City. The evaluation found that women who participated in the program were more likely to self-report incidences of abuse and neglect and that these incidences were more likely to be reported to child protective services. In addition, women who participated in the program engaged in serious abuse less frequently and used nonviolent discipline strategies more frequently. The evaluation also found that children of mothers who participated in the program were less likely to receive special education services and more likely to participate in gifted programs. The Healthy Families America program uses a strengths-based approach to promote child well-being and prevent the abuse and neglect of children through the use of home visiting services. The program targets expecting and new parents with infants less than 3 months old who have been identified as being at risk for abusing or neglecting their children. The parents are assessed either prenatally or at the time of birth and are provided with services until their child reaches the age of 3 months. The program consists of three critical elements: initiating services prenatally or at birth, providing services, and selecting and training home visitors. References, additional resources