Healthy Families Illinois is an exciting new program offered at the Clay County Health Department and is the first program of its kind in our area. This voluntary home visiting program focuses on the positive interaction between the parent and infant.

The goals of HFI are: 

• To systematically assess the family’s strengths and needs and refer as needed.
• To enhance family functioning by building trusting relationships, teaching problem-solving skills, and improving the family’s support system.
• To promote positive parent-child interaction.
• To promote healthy childhood growth and development.

The program seeks to strengthen parenting skills and enhance child health and development via one-on-one interaction between the HFI staff and parent. Pregnant women in their 3rd trimester and parents of newborns may be eligible. Each participating family will create a partnership with a Family Support Worker. Through home visits, the Family Support Worker provides educational information training, and support thus improving parent-child relationship.