Child and Family Development

We know that all parents want what is best for their children but navigating the natural challenges and changes that come with becoming a parent for the first time or growing your family can be difficult! No one is a perfect parent and we can all use support from time to time! Our Child and Family Development teams support young children from prenatal - under ten and their parents to help foster healthy development and quality relationships that grow and succeed.

What programs do you offer? How do they differ

Healthy Families, part of the Hennepin Alliance for Healthy Families, is designed for parents and families who are impacted by significant stressors. Services provided respond to the needs of each family individually and can include:
- Emotional support for parents/caregivers
- Education about child development and developmental expectations
- Insight into the impact of parent/child relationships
- Referrals to community resources and advocacy to ensure access to resources.

Trained home visitors provide support to parents and caregivers to help promote appropriate development and healthy relationships. Our supervised home visits focus on strengths and relationship-building to encourage and support each family in its own, unique growth.

The Parent Support Outreach Program or PSOP, also through Hennepin County, connects families with help to meet your urgent needs and support you in reaching your goals. Assistance may include support for basic needs, financial needs, and your family's health, including specialized services for families dealing with opioid dependency. PSOP can also connect your family to community resources for longer-term support.

You will be partnered with a Parent Support Outreach Provider to help you address your family’s needs and work with your schedule, at home, at our agency or in the community. Participation in this program is voluntary, but we accept referrals from community agencies, school staff or clients themselves.

How do I enroll?

Families can enroll in Healthy Families prenatally or by the time their child is three months of age, and participation can last until the child is four years old. Families must live in Hennepin County.

Families can enroll in PSOP if they live in Hennepin County, are pregnant or have at least one child 10 years old or younger in the home. All referrals must come through Hennepin County - you may find that resource through the following link: https://www.hennepin.us/en/residents/human-services/parent-support-outreach-program.

Both programs are voluntary and free to participants. Families can voluntarily take part in Healthy Families until their child reaches the age of 4 in preparation for school readiness. PSOP is a short-term, early-intervention program but your PSOP worker may set you or your family up with longer term support depending on need.

*Healthy Families is supported in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Strong Foundations Grant.