Nurse Family Partnership: Policy Analysis, Examination, and Recommendations

Purpose: There is a need to address the current gaps in parenting education among first time mothers in Utah County. This policy analysis examines existing and potential programs that Utah County can implement to meet the needs of first time mothers.

Background: The number of at-risk first time mothers is rising. Children born to at risk mothers are more likely to have low birth weights, be placed in foster care, and suffer from malnutrition and cognitive problems.

Landscape: The primary stakeholders include the following: local school district, health care providers, health department, and government social services providers.

Policy Analysis Criterion: Four programs were evaluated: Welcome Baby, Early-Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. The evaluation was based upon these criteria: 1. Focus on at-risk populations; 2. Visits begin in pregnancy and continue to the second or fifth year of life; 3.staffed with nurses or well-trained paraprofessionals; 4. Address full range of families needs; 5. Evidence based; and 6. Cost. Early Head Start and Nurse Family Partnership were the most effective programs based on these criteria.

Recommendations and Conclusions: Nurse-Family Partnership is recommended as the most comprehensive home-visitation program for at-risk first-time mothers and their children. Reasons cited include coverage gaps in already implemented programs and evidence showing the program's cost-effectiveness and benefits to the community. The Nurse Family Partnership program should be implemented in Utah County to address the growing concerns associated with the increase in at risk women giving birth.