Why home visits?
Good Beginnings provides services that are tailored to the individual needs of the family, delivered in the convenience of the home. The purpose of home visits is to help parents develop the knowledge, skills and resources needed to raise a healthy, happy child. What better place to do this than in the home where the family lives? Home visits are especially convenient for families who aren’t ready to leave the house with a new baby. Home visits are also helpful to families who don’t have transportation. Home visits are always confidential.
During the first few home visits, the parent(s) and the Good Beginnings worker choose the goals that the family wants to work on during home visits.
Sample Family Goals:
- Deliver a healthy baby
- Develop a secure attachment with my child
- Learn about child development
- Reduce family stress
- Connect with community resources
How often will Good Beginnings visit?
The home visit schedule depends on the needs of the family. Visits usually take place on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for a limited number of weeks. Most visits are one hour. For pregnant women, visits increase around the time of birth. Women who enroll during pregnancy receive visits until the child turns one year old.
What happens during a home visit?
Home visits are designed to help families reach their goals. Each visit includes time for listening to parents’ concerns, to offer information and support, and to review progress on family goals. For example, if the goal is to learn about child development, the home visitor will provide age-specific information about the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of the baby or child. The home visitor might offer a book or game suited to the age of the child. Sometimes the home visitor will use a screening tool called the Ages and Stages, which helps to screen for developmental strengths and areas in need of improvement.
What are the qualifications of Good Beginnings home visitors?
Good Beginnings home visitors are registered nurses, certified parent educators, and licensed mental health workers. We also provide trained volunteer mentors for new mothers. For pregnant and postpartum women, a registered nurse and a parent educator each meet with the family on an alternating basis throughout pregnancy, continuing until the child is one year old. For women who want short-term help right after birth, a trained volunteer might be assigned. All Good Beginnings staff and volunteers complete a criminal record background check.
Do you ever meet with families outside of the home?
Yes. Visits outside of the home can be arranged for those who prefer a location outside of the home. Sometimes it is easier for families to meet at the Good Beginnings office in Claremont or at another location in the community. Just let us know.