Parent Support

• We welcome all families! Our funding allows us to serve pregnant and parenting individuals from conception until the child’s 5th birthday.

•   Any expecting families that live in Lynchburg city, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties.

• Any families with a child who is younger than 3 months of age (must complete enrollment visit before the child turns 3 months).

We do not use insurance to determine eligibility for the program. We will ask about your income level and type of insurance for data purposes, but that does not determine your eligibility.

We do not use insurance to determine eligibility for the program. We will ask about your income level and type of insurance for data purposes, but that does not determine your eligibility.

It’s free — no, really! Through the generosity of funders, as well as long-established state and federal funding, you won’t be charged for anything.

• First, you will hear from our Family Resource Specialist who will set up a time to meet you and get to know you, share helpful resources, and connect you with a Family Support Specialist that will best fit  with you and your family.

• Once you connect with a Family Support Specialist, they will meet with you frequently in the home bringing information on child development and milestones, and talk about how they can support you in your family values and family goals.

Our caring, compassionate, well-trained home visitors visit you once per week in the beginning. When you are ready, we transition to bimonthly visits, and then monthly check-ins. Your home visitor is also available in between sessions via phone, email, and text message.

Healthy Families is a voluntary program. Although we will be sad to see you go, you can opt out at any time. We tailor the program to your needs and timelines. Just remember that when you leave, we will give your spot to another family.

We receive referrals from many community partners, and families can always self-refer.

We provide evidence-based, proven research and facts. You get to choose how to apply the information. We look out for the health and safety of your child and family above all, and we promise to talk with you about areas for growth.

We want to partner with you in order for your child to thrive.

No, we are not part of the Department of Social Services. However, our staff are mandated reporters, which means that they are legally bound to report significant concerns to local DSS or law enforcement. Healthy Families works closely with DSS to advocate for families, and to work with DSS on behalf of families.

We prefer to enroll families during pregnancy, but we can enroll up until the baby turns 3 months. Families with DSS involvement can start at a later time (up to 24 months), but only if their worker sends the referral. Most families graduate the program when their child turns 3, but we can stay with you until your child reaches age 5!

We love involving everyone who is important to you and the baby! Whether it is a partner, grandma, or friend- anyone whom you designate is welcome in the visits. We are also good at bringing activities to occupy older children in the home when it’s time for our weekly visit.

We love teen parents! Our team members receive special training on how to connect with teens. Under Virginia code, anyone 14 and older can consent to their own care, so we will treat them as an adult so far as the law allows. We ensure that anyone involved with the family is welcome to attend (see above!) If the pregnant or parenting individual is 13 or younger, we require a guardian’s consent on our forms.