COVID-19 Update: Healthy Families Washington County continues to provide services to families residing in Washington County through virtual visits. Family Support Specialists connect families to resources in the community tailored to their needs for food, shelter, housing, financial assistance, etc. and assist families in accessing those resources. The program has a limited baby pantry for enrolled families to provide items such as diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, safety gates and more. We also partner with the Health Department’s Cribs for Kids program to deliver safe sleep items to participants in our program with babies ages 12 months and under.
Additionally, all Family Support Specialists offer families virtual visits through Google Meet or telephone visits. Healthy Families continues to provide universal screening to all families for Postpartum Depression, Child Development, Home Safety for Children, and much more. The program’s focus remains on supporting parents and their children in the community and empowering families to advocate for themselves.
Description: Healthy Families Washington County is a free and voluntary home visiting program that is open to any parent in Washington County, MD. The program helps families link to community services that will meet their needs. Family Support Specialists provide support on prenatal care, labor and delivery, child development, breastfeeding, and other parenting topics and partner with parents to create goal plans that are tailored to each family. Families who enroll in the program are invited to monthly parent/child activity groups. Family Support Specialists also partner with parents to develop positive parenting strategies from the prenatal stage until age five and provide support to empower each family to advocate for their children in healthcare, child development, safety and education.
Eligibility requirements: Parent must be a resident of Washington County with an infant who is 2 weeks old or younger or currently pregnant. Parents include any primary caregiver who retains custody of the child. Special considerations are made for families who are in need of additional family support.
How to enroll: Call us at 240-313-3270 or email wchd.hf@maryland.gov to ask for more information. A referral can also be made using the referral form below and sent to wchd.hf@maryland.gov
How long does it take: Participants can expect to meet with a Healthy Families Family Resource Specialist for approximately 1-2 hours for an initial interview. Family Support Specialists will coordinate weekly family support visits for an hour with the family and provide child development information and activities for the family. Services last from the prenatal stage and birth until the child reaches age five.
Helpful Links
Healthy Families Washington County Brochure
Healthy Families Referral Form
