Lucia and Jeremy graduated from the Healthy Families Program in Pima County. The Healthy Families Program is a voluntary, home visiting and child abuse prevention program which serves families prenatally or after the birth of a child. Families who have the greatest challenges are targeted to ensure that babies get a good start in life abuse and neglect free. Families attend a ceremony where they are recognized for successfully completing a five year program. Parents receive a completion certificate and children receive school supplies and books. In order to complete the program, parents demonstrate: stability in the home, a nurturing environment for the child, optimized development for the child (or connection to services if special needs), up to date immunizations and well child checks, self sufficiency, and a decrease in risk factors for abuse or neglect.

As Lucia and Jeremy spoke to their family support specialist, they were able to reflect on the last five years and how Healthy Families impacted them. Lucia said, “Do you remember the first time you came to our house and Brandon was just a baby? You taught me how to swaddle him to help him calm down. He was just a newborn and now he will be going into kindergarten this year.” Lucia and Jeremy both grew up in alcoholic, abusive families. They were very young, had not planned on having a baby, and knew very little about raising a child. Lucia did not graduate high school and she lived at home with Jeremy and his parents to make ends meet. Her family was not supportive. They had a tough road ahead of them. They learned a lot about child development and parenting through weekly home visits. They also learned how to find resources in the community and Lucia eventually got a job in a daycare center where she could take Brandon with her. Jeremy also found a job in construction and has been there for several years now. Brandon is registered for kindergarten and he is developmentally ahead for his age.

Prevention really works. Lucia and Jeremy have never been involved with Child Protective Services. Brandon will continue to thrive in a family where he is safe and nurtured.