Healthy Families of Sullivan is a comprehensive primary prevention program that focuses on the safety and healthy development of children while at the same time preserving and supporting families. The program provides in-home visiting services, which are easily accessible to isolated at risk families and are respectful of cultural and community diversity. These services come at a time in a family’s life when few other services are available and infants are most vulnerable. It is also the time when planned early intervention makes the greatest impact. Healthy Families of Sullivan is a comprehensive approach to meeting the health and social needs of Sullivan County newest and most vulnerable citizens, its children.
Healthy Families of Sullivan was established in 2002 to serve Monticello, expanded to Liberty in 2004 with the Children and Family Trust Funding, and was fully expanded in 2007 to serve all families in Sullivan County.
The program is credentialed by Healthy Families of America, receives oversight and program support from Healthy Families New York through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and is a voluntary program. Enrollment in program services is available to expectant families and families with newborns aged less than three months.
How can Healthy Families help me?
Surveys have determined that 74% of American parents wish that they had received help in learning how to take care of their newborns. The purpose of Healthy Families is to help relieve some of the stress of having a new baby while coping with other situations at the same time. Your Healthy Families Support Worker will help you to identify the hopes and dreams that you have for yourself and your family and work with you to make them come true, while helping to build strong parent-child relationships.
How can Healthy Families help me care for my baby?
Your Family Support Worker can help you to:
- Understand your baby’s unique personality.
- Understand how playing with babies can actually make them smarter.
- Learn how children grow & what you can do to enhance their development.
- Understand what your baby is telling you.
- Learn about other helpful services in the community that are available to you your baby.
- Coordinate services for your child with a primary health care provider.
How much does this cost?
All Healthy Families services are provided at no charge.
For more information call: (845) 292-5910 extension 2250.
The program is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Local funding is provided by Sullivan County’s General Fund. Administration, financial support, and oversight is provided by Sullivan County Public Health. For information about other Healthy Families New York Programs, visit: http://www.healthyfamiliesnewyork.org/
