Extension
It Starts With Us
Nurturing Families
Nurturing Families
Higginbotham
Nurturing Parenting
Maternal & Infant Nutrition
Nurturing Families (general)
Child abuse and neglect can have enduring physical, intellectual, and psychological repercussions into adolescence and adulthood. All types of child abuse and neglect have long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child's sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at work, and at school while they are young as well as into adulthood. In 2013, there were approximately 600 cases of confirmed child abuse or neglect in Daviess County, KY and currently more than 6,800 children are in foster care in the state of Kentucky. In addition to child abuse and neglect issues, infant mortality rates continue to be an issue and are one of the most widely used indicators of the overall health status of a community. The leading causes of death among infants are birth defects, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and maternal complications during pregnancy. Providing parenting classes as well as child and family health programs will be utilized in an effort to address these issues faced by many families in our community.
Parents and care givers will be able to consistently provide better care for their children in a safe and nurturing environment that allows the child to thrive, function, and develop properly throughout adolescence. This will result in the decreased occurrence of child abuse and neglect cases in our community and state. Educational opportunities, utilization of community resources for new and expectant parents, and implementation of healthy lifestyle choices will result in the decrease of the infant mortality rate as well as the increased health of newborns and toddlers.
Parents and caregivers will implement healthy strategies and techniques to deal with stressful and challenging situations in the family or caregiver setting. This will result in better family relationships and improve the overall function of the family and home as a safe environment for all members. Parents of newborns and toddlers will make choices and implement changes in their life that positively affect the health of themselves, their children, and their family.
Parents and care givers will increase their knowledge and awareness of healthy alternatives to physical and harsh punishments when caring for children. Participants will learn ways to strengthen family relationships and ideas for healthy family time. New and expectant parents will increase knowledge of the importance of prenatal and infant/toddler care as well as resources available to families in the community.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Increased knowledge about making healthy choices regarding family time, family meal time, punishment alternatives, and healthy communication within the family.
Method: Post program evaluations and client testimonies
Timeline: Fall 2017
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Families will utilize and implement at least two techniques to positively address discipline and family stressors
Method: Program Surveys and Evaluations
Timeline: Spring 2018
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Consistent and long term use of healthy family practices to nurture and strengthen the family unit
Method: Observation and inquiry
Timeline: Spring 2018 & 2019 (1 year and 2 year follow up)
Audience: At risk Parents and Families
Project or Activity: Nurturing Parenting Classes
Content or Curriculum: Nurturing Parenting Curriculum and Evaluations
Inputs: FCS Extension Agent; Local Community Members and Volunteers
Date: Summer/Fall 2017
Audience: New and Expectant Parents
Project or Activity: Daviess County’s Annual Oh Baby! Celebration
Content or Curriculum: Maternal and Child Health Materials, NEP Materials, Community Agency Resources and Materials
Inputs: FCS Extension Agent; NEP Assistants; Community Resource Agency Contacts
Date: September 2017
