Overview

HANDS is a voluntary home visitation program designed to support parents during pregnancy and throughout early childhood. Our goal is to nurture healthy family development and promote positive parenting through education, support, and encouragement.

Kentucky’s Health Access Nurturing Development Services, HANDS, supports families as they build healthy, safe environments for the optimal growth and development of children. Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience! From the very moment you find out you are pregnant, your life begins to revolve around your new baby. There is no way to know just how exhilarating, challenging and rewarding parenthood will be.

HANDS is a free, voluntary home visiting program for pregnant moms-to-be and parents that supports all areas of your baby’s development. HANDS will support you throughout your pregnancy and the first two years of your baby’s life. From pregnancy to the “terrific”-twos, HANDS is here to answer all of your questions during the different stages of your baby’s growth. Enrollment must be during pregnancy or when your baby is less than three months old.

We work with families to track child development, emotional well-being, and home safety. We also provide assessments to identify risk factors early and connect families to the appropriate services.

HANDS Goals

Positive pregnancy outcomes
Optimal child growth and development
Children living in healthy, safe homes
Families making decisions that enhance long-term independence over meeting short term or immediate needs

HANDS Believes

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All parents want to be good parents
All parents want their children to be healthy
All families have strengths
Families are responsible for their children
Families are the primary decision makers regarding their children
Communities recognize their roles in children's lives
Communities recognize that all children must succeed
Prevention and early intervention improve the community's well being
Public and private partnerships are vital to a successful program

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Frequently Asked Questions About The HANDS Program

What does the HANDS home visitation program do?

Reaches out to parents during the prenatal period or within three months after the birth of the child. Participants do not need to be first-time parents.
Trained parent visitors talk with families and review ten topic areas that help link parents with community services that best fit their strengths, values and individual needs.
Parents who desire can receive information to make things go as smoothly as possible with a new child.
Voluntary home visits are offered to parents facing multiple challenges

What services do home visitors provide?

Meet with families on an agreed upon schedule
Link families with health care services
Provide information about child development and developmental stages
Assist families in identifying their baby’s needs and available resources (clothing, food, furniture)

How does home visiting support families?

Home visitors are non-judgmental, flexible, and respect the values and beliefs of the communities and families they serve
Family support workers build on the existing strengths in the family and provide information and referral to community resources
The goal of the support worker is to empower families to make their own decisions

Are the services voluntary?

Yes! Home visiting services are provided for any parent that would like these services.
Parents may choose to leave the program at anytime
Choosing not to participate in the program carries no penalties for the family

Are records kept confidential?

Yes.

What about education and training of workers?

Workers have education and/or experience and training in child health and development disciplines. Workers in the Kentucky program are provided nationally recognized and validated training to assist them to best serve overburdened families, all the while respecting the various values and practices that come from cultural, linguistic, ethnic and geographic diversity. Parent consultation is completed with the family by professional staff such as a registered nurse or health educator. Professional or paraprofessional staff completes home visiting. Workers work in partnership with families to support positive parenting.

Do home visiting programs create government dependency?

No. Home visiting programs connect families with vital community resources to promote and encourage self sufficiency.

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