West Palm Beach, Florida – The Nurse-Family Partnership, a support program for families with newborns through two years and managed through the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County and the Children’s Services Council held its fifth graduation Monday, September 14.   

Nurse-Family PartnershipÒ (NFP) is a voluntary prevention program that provides nurse home visitation services from the Department of Health to low income, first-time mothers. Nurses begin home visits early in the mother’s pregnancy and continue visitation until the child’s second birthday. Nurses provide support, education and counseling on health, behavioral and self-sufficiency issues.

 In Palm Beach County, 150 families are currently served by the program. “I congratulate those participating in this program and am proud of you all for giving your child the best start in life,” said Children’s Services Council CEO, Lisa Williams-Taylor at the kid friendly graduation ceremony.

Nationally, mothers who have participated in the program have consistently demonstrated significantly improved prenatal health, fewer subsequent pregnancies, increased employment of the moms, improved school readiness of the children, reduced involvement in crime by the mothers and their children, and less child abuse, neglect and injuries.

 “The Nurse Family Partnership program promotes positive change for both mother and child, benefiting future generations,” says Florida Health Palm Beach County Director Alina Alonso, M.D., “By ensuring a solid foundation for these mothers with support to this vulnerable population, we can greatly improve their health, educational and economic outcomes.”

The Children’s Services Council brought the national evidence-based Nurse-Family Partnership to Palm Beach County in 2008.  Since then, 300 families have completed the two year program and graduated.

Recent Graduates

Leslie Dames with Laila                                                                   Alex Jerome with Angelica                                                      Terrill Friedrich with Dakota