2008 Healthy Families Illinois (HFI) Fact Sheet

Program Description

Target

Families with newborns who are at risk of child abuse or neglect. Some programs may target more specific populations (e.g., first-time teen parents).

Purpose

Healthy Families Illinois seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote healthy development by helping to build strong parent-child relationships.

Services

Participants receive information and referrals to:

• Improve family functioning, through:
  1. Development of improved problem-solving skills
  2. Identification and improved access to family support systems
  3. Development of self-sufficiency goals for teenage parents including completion of high school, or its equivalent, and the delay of subsequent births.
• Promote healthy child growth and development
• Promote positive parent/child relationship

Delivery Method

Services are provided through intensive home visits, commencing bi-weekly during the pregnancy or weekly for at least six months following the child's birth, after which frequency and duration of the visits vary according to the needs of the family. Home visitation may continue at least quarterly through the first five years of the child's life.

Program Data

Program Effectiveness

• Nearly 70% of participants received over 75% of their expected home visits