Kentucky’s HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services) supports families as they build healthy, safe environments for the optimal growth and development of children right from the start, right in their own homes. Families must enroll prenatally or before a baby is 3 months old.
Understanding The HANDS Program
Participation in the program is voluntary and is not income-based.
The Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a voluntary home visitation program for new and expectant parents who desire parenting support. We provide information on prenatal care, nutrition, safety and child development, and stress-management strategies all to help you on your journey to be a successful parent and family.
Services are provided in a family-centered, culturally sensitive manner by trained and skilled staff who assist families in making decisions regarding their children. Services are available for the family until the child is three years of age. Monthly incentives are provided for participants. The service is not based on a family’s income!
Through HANDS, families receive individualized support, information, and activities to help navigate early parenthood together. Our goals are to support positive pregnancy outcomes, optimal child growth and development, children growing up in healthy, safe homes, and supporting parents to reach the goals they have for their children and their family.
How has HANDS Improved Kentucky Families’ Lives?
Families who participate in HANDS services have better outcomes related to:
- Adequate prenatal care
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Maternal complications during delivery
- Maternal weight gain during pregnancy
- Substantiated reports of child maltreatment
- Low birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Breastfeeding
- Maternal receipt of WIC
- Infant deceased during delivery hospitalization
HANDS Believes:
- 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.