Healthy Families

Greater Fall River Healthy Families, a program of the Children’s Trust, is a statewide home visiting program available for first-time parents aged 23 and under. This home-based program provides education, support, resources, and referrals, along with group services, to first-time parents residing in Fall River, Somerset, Westport, and Swansea. The program is free and voluntary. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's funding, through MIECHV, supports services for expectant or first-time parents of any age residing in the same geographic area.

Home visits are designed to meet the families’ needs during pregnancy and up to the child’s third birthday. We are committed to providing support in many ways, such as through the development of individual service plans that identify specific goals they want to achieve while in the program or in supporting young parents in accessing additional services to support the wellness of the family.

Home visits can occur in the home or in a comfortable meeting place, and the Healthy Families staff will focus on building relationships and partnering with families. Home visitors will introduce topics that include supporting parents’ self-sufficiency; making healthy choices for themselves and their child; encouraging educational, job skills/training; monitoring the development of the child: and promoting positive parent/child interactions.

The program also hosts interactive and engaging groups such as, literacy, cooking, budgeting, co-parenting, and parent rights. Transportation, child care, incentives and meals are offered. The program provides opportunities that encourage parents to connect with other parents while supporting them in their parenting journey.