What is Healthy Families Travis County?
Healthy Families Travis County is a voluntary home visiting program for parents who are pregnant or have new babies, under 3 months old. Having a new child can be stressful for some families. Maintaining a safe and stable environment for a new baby, including building a positive relationship through bonding and attachment is so important at this age. Caring and well-trained staff visit parents in their own homes and bring helpful parenting materials, child development information, and community resource referrals. The home visitors administer developmental screenings to monitor baby’s growth and progress. They can also provide assistance with baby safety items, diapers, baby books, baby quilts, pack-n-plays, and other supplies if available.
Since 2004, the program has been accredited by Healthy Families America & Prevent Child Abuse America every four years. This means the program must adhere to the fidelity of the Healthy Families America model when providing home visiting services. In 2023, one program participant and her home visitor were chosen to visit Washington DC and speak at a Congressional Briefing about these services that help in preventing child abuse and neglect.
Who can I contact for more information?
Who is eligible for Healthy Families Travis County?
Home visiting services are provided to parents who are pregnant or have a new baby under 3 months old. Families must live in Travis County zip code areas. Priority is given to parents experiencing stress, such as teen parents, financial challenges, transportation barriers, language barriers, and other stressors. Another priority is African American families due to the high rates of infant mortality and low birth weights of African American babies born in Travis County. Some families may also be eligible for group services that are offered in the community and provide many fun and useful incentives.
Local CommUnity Care clinics, WIC offices, high schools, community colleges and other family serving organizations often refer parents with new babies to the program.
Resources to Learn More
