Home visiting in Clark County works to prevent child abuse and neglect

Vancouver, WA—A report released today by the Washington chapter of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids raises concerns about rising cases of child abuse and neglect stemming from the flagging economy. With more children at risk, the report also notes that survivors of abuse and neglect are significantly more likely to commit crimes as adults and abuse their own kids.

The report (available at www.fightcrime.org/wa) states that failure to invest now in programs proven to prevent child abuse and neglect puts everyone in Washington at greater risk of becoming a victim of crime. The report cites the national Nurse-Family Partnership as an example of a home visiting program that has been shown to cut abuse and neglect arrests in half among at-risk kids served.

“In tough times when families are stressed, home visiting can provide a sense of order for families, helping them to reach their goals of raising healthy, successful children,” said Kate Ketcham, program manager of Clark County Public Health’s Nurse Family Partnership program.

Home visitors are nurses and other trained professionals who provide regular home visits to educate expectant and new parents about prenatal care, infant care, child development and parenting skills. In hard economic times, home visitors also help families get the help they need, including food stamps, emergency assistance, and medical assistance. Home visitors can also identify family problems such as domestic violence and substance abuse, and provide needed referrals.

In Clark County, a coalition of community partners known as SELF (Support for Early Learning in Families) has increased the local capacity for home visiting. SELF community home visiting programs include:

§ Early Head Start—parents and teachers work together to prepare children for school. Contact Educational Opportunities for Children and Families, (360) 567-2720.

§ Infant Case Management—home visits improve family self-sufficiency during child’s first year life. Contact Clark County Public Health, (360) 397-8000.

§ Early Intervention Program and Early Family Support Services—home visits to families at high risk for child abuse and/or neglect. Contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8000 ext. 7336.

§ Maternity Support Services—home visits by nurses, social workers and nutritionists throughout pregnancy and the first months of a child’s life. Contact Clark County Public Health, (360) 397-8000 or Healthy Steps Women’s and Children’s Center (360) 514-7300.

§ Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)— serves first-time mothers, helping parents provide responsible and competent care for their children. Contact Clark County Public Health, (360) 397-8000.

§ Parents as Teacher (PAT)— family home visits use nationally recognized curriculum and the opportunity to participate in Ready and Play groups. Contact ESD-112 at (360) 750-7500.

§ Welcome Baby at Home—All new moms in Clark County qualify to receive three home visits that offer information, referral and Welcome Baby Bags. Contact Children’s Home Society, (360) 695-1325.

Also in Clark County, the Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center serves as a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center. It provides a safe space for children and families to address incidents of child abuse in Clark County. For information, contact (360) 397-6002.

Starting April 1, the center and other local partners will be sponsoring special activities in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Please watch for related news and information.