Babies First is a developmental screening program for children at risk of developmental delay due to a variety of risk factors including: premature birth; drug exposed infant during pregnancy; low birth weight; age of the parent/caregiver; low income/poverty; and many other factors. The majority of referrals are from hospitals at the time of birth
Babies First targets children from birth to age three. Potential problems can be detected quickly and interventions started and monitored regularly. Public health nurses conduct in-home health and developmental screening for participating children on a regular basis. The nurses work closely with the families on parenting skills, health education, advocacy, and referrals to services in other agencies. Babies First focuses on helping families learn to care for and better understand their children.
Services:
Nurses providing home visits to pregnant women, new families, and children with special health needs
Intensive home visits (weekly) to first time parents
Provides education on prenatal care
Provides education and information on child development
Performs development testing
Offers support to families
Provides immunizations and WIC
Offers support for smoking cessation
Connects clients to other helpful services
The Babies First program identifies infants and young children who are deemed "at risk" in an attempt to prevent poor health and developmental outcome.
The Public Health Nurse will:
The health assessment includes:
Cerisa Niskanen, 503-842-3900 ext. 3941
Marty Rowland, 503-842-3900 ext. 3932
Last updated 06/22/2009 11:54 AM