Kansas Children's Service League

Intensive, in-home parenting support for new parents of 0 to 3 year olds overburdened by stress factors such as unemployment, limited parenting skills and family history of abuse and neglect. Raising a child can be a challenge, especially for parents who are experiencing pressures such as unemployment, illness or limited parenting skills. Although many parents get the help they need, too many young families have nowhere to turn for support. KCSL offers Healthy Families America® (HFA) programs in 30 Kansas counties. Staff meet with the family regularly, usually once each week. This process begins during pregnancy and continues until the child is 3 to 5 years old.
Modeled after a program in Hawaii, this service has been proven successful in promoting healthy child development, parent/child interaction, preventing child abuse and neglect and helping families link with necessary community resources. Studies show families who participate in such programs are less likely to require the intervention of social services later in a child's life.