FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I expect from Healthy Families?

• With your consent, a Families Resource Specialist will help you find resources you may need.

• If you voluntarily agree to participate in Healthy Families, a Family Support Specialist will assist you in caring for your baby.

• At your convenience, your Family Support Specialist will visit you each week in your home.

What is a Family Support Specialist?

• A qualified individual who is trained to listen and help you with questions and problems you may have.

• An individual experienced with children who understands the questions and stress that every parent has.

• A person who is aware of many resources in the community to assist you.

• Someone who can offer additional information and support on daily stresses and life circumstances that may affect you.

How long can our Family Support Specialist stay with us?

• Your Family Support Specialist may work with your family until your child's fifth birthday.

What can my Family Support Specialist do for my baby?

Your Family Support Specialist will offer practical information on:

• Understanding what your baby is telling you so you can better meet your baby's needs.

• Caring for your baby's needs and still managing to take care of yourself, too!!

• What to expect as your baby grows.

• Making your home "baby safe."

• Encouraging normal development in your baby.

What can my Family Support Specialist offer me?

Additional information and support on issues such as:

Feeling successful as a parent	Ways to continue your Education
Budgeting and Finances	Employment
Transportation	Community services
Effective discipline for your child

How Can I find out more about this program?

Talk to your doctor, nurse, WIC office, Health Department or call Healthy Families at 773-2897 before your baby arrives or as soon after the birth of your baby as possible.

Why Healthy Families?

• Because parents are the most important people in a baby's life.

• Because parents are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have.

• Because parenting is a very demanding job and all parents have worries, questions, and lots of stress