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Three Rivers Healthy Families Frequently Asked Questions
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How do families obtain services with TRHF?
What is the Home Visit Program?
What type of child development information and assessment are provided?
What other types of special activities and services are available?
Who makes up the leadership of TRHF and how are parents involved?
How do families obtain services with TRHF?
Three Rivers Healthy Families invites all expectant families to participate in
a prenatal interview. Our staff highlights each available community
resource for parenting support. Interview outcomes often result in
referrals for services of identified needs. Participants also get an overview
of what to expect from a particular service.
What is the Home Visit Program?
The comprehensive home visits include parenting education and support
for eligible prenatal families.
A family support worker assists parents with the increasing challenges that
their new baby may bring. Families engage in a variety of activities during
visits to develop their range of parenting skills. This program continues
until the child enters their local Kindergarten program.
Parents may also learn how to manage their household, solve specific
problems, and deal with unexpected situations. The family can increase
their knowledge of child development and positive parent-child
interactions. Parents receive guidance in developing the ability to access
and utilize community resources based on individual needs. The family
support worker encourages positive health behaviors during pregnancy to
promote and advocate a healthy child.
To build a child's library and story time at home, each child receives a new
age-appropriate book every three months. The goal is to place 30 books in
the home of every child in the program. Literacy activities are shared
during the home visits with the child and modeled for parents. Families are
frequently transported to a "storytime" at their local library and personally
contacted about attending special events to promote literacy.
What type of child development information and assessment are
provided?
Three Rivers Healthy Families offers assessments for all children four
months to five years of age. Initially, parents complete an assessment that
identifies concerns about their child's development. Our family support
worker then follows up with a plan based on the assessment outcome and
parent's input.
What other types of special activities and services are available?
- Teen Parent Group - A parenting program designed for teen
parents is available as part of the Three Rivers Healthy Families
Program. Teen parents explore the development of their child,
discuss the challenges of children while attending school, and set
goals for their future.
- Infant Massage - Infants and parents may select to benefit from the
relaxing sessions conducted by a certified infant message instructor.
Families enjoy the opportunity to strengthen their bond by spending
time together.
- Parent Education and Support - Parents and other agencies may
request parent education sessions through our staff. Sessions are
personalized according to each participant's specific needs and topics
of interest.
Who makes up the leadership of TRHF and how are parents involved?
The TRHF staff and Board have involved parents in a leadership role from
TRHF's inception. Parent involvement is a vital component in preparing
families to take a proactive role in addressing their needs as well as those
of the community.
The TRHF Board of Directors includes parents and involves additional
parents for special projects with Board members. Parents enrolled in TRHF
have participated in community presentations that target current funding
sources and potential resources. In addition, parents have shared their
views through written program articles and newspaper interviews to
promote community awareness.
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