Healthy Families America (HFA) is a program that supports families in need through intensive home visiting, screening and assessment, and other services in order to reduce child abuse and promote positive relationships and behaviors within families. Services are provided through HFA program sites; since its launch in 1992, HFA has grown to 585 sites in 35 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and 6 U.S. Territories. Each site determines the specific characteristics of families they plan to serve (e.g., single parents, low income, history of child abuse or drug use), and works with partners in the community to reach and enroll eligible families.
Families across the country have experienced success due to their participation in HFA. Other impacts of HFA include:
- Self-reported reductions in harsh parenting, neglect, physical abuse, and psychological abuse, and an increased use of non-violence discipline
- Improved birth outcomes for women who enroll while pregnant, including low birth weight and fewer birth complications
- Improved performance in school
- Prevention of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse and neglect1
The HFA home visiting model was launched by Prevent Child Abuse America in response to high rates of child abuse occurring to children ages birth to five. To find out more about HFA, visit http://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/.
The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge in early intervention. To access the ESPM, CLICK HERE.
- Identification and Referral (IR):
- IR4 (EIA): Knows resource options for services and supports (other than Early Start) in the country/area of residence.