A new wave in delivering maternal and child home visitation services - flows through Passaic County, NJ

To address health and psychosocial needs of first time, low income mothers. We implemented a home visitation program which increases access to care. Using a referral and central intake system we outreach to clients. Through Home Visits by Registered Nurses we provide prenatal services; teach health and parenting education; connect clients to community resources; offer psychosocial support; and empower new mothers to achieve goals.

We initiate consultation with other providers for coordination of services.

We also implemented several innovative methods to keep clients engaged in the program:

1. Incentive items which provide clients with necessities for baby care.

2. Creative Arts that provide activities to promote learning for mother and child: Scrapbooking, PIPE activities, Photo Contest-Theme: Water in the Environment.

3. Events to provide educational sessions while engaging clients in social networking with other new mothers include

•Pregnant and New Moms Support Group – an informal, safe atmosphere to provide an opportunity for socializing and screen for post partum depression.

•Pregnant Pause to educate on abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy.

•Scrapbook Event a craft workshop which focused on the importance of reading to children.

•Holiday Event to teach indoor safety and activities for young children.

•Summer Safety Event to learn outdoor activities and community safety.

Outcomes include

• Implemented a Central Intake System to increase access to care

• Providing an innovative model of care for the community

• Increased social networking for clients.

• Improved access to Maternal Child Health Care services in Passaic County, NJ.