Working together to build a secure foundation for babies and their families.

Home Visiting Program Goals
1.  Children and families are safe, nurtured and healthy.
2.  Children arrive at school ready to learn.

We believe that parents love their children and want what is best for them.  Research tells us that children are at the greatest risk when parents struggle with stress, unresolved child abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, isolation, inexperience with children or unrealistic expectations, immaturity, and unmet emotional needs.

Using the Growing Great Kids curriculum, the home visitor works first to build a mutual, trusting relationship with the family, regardless of the starting point of parents.  The home visitor supports and nurtures the parent-child relationship. 

Home Visitors
- Reach out to all first time parents
- Offer a parent survey to ensure that parents facing the greatest challenges will be served
- Begin visiting on a pre-natal basis whenever possible
- Visit weekly, and sometimes more frequently depending on the needs of the family
- Use the Growing Great Kids curriculum with parents
- Support parents as they learn about their child and his/her development
- Build a relationship with parents based on trust
- Visit with a family until the child is three or four, depending on family needs
- Offer an array of resources and community supports that enrich families lives.

This program may be for you if you are expecting your first baby OR you are a first time Mom or Dad with a baby younger than 3 months of age.

Call Participating Family Centers for more information:

- Pine River Backus Family Center 218-587-4292
- Northland Area Family Service Center 218-566-3636
- Pillager Family Center 218-746-4009