HANDS Services
What is the HANDS Program?
The Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a free voluntary home visitation program for expectant parents. Families begin by meeting with a HANDS Parent Visitor who will discuss any questions or concerns about pregnancy or a baby's first years. Based on the discussion, all families will receive information and learn about resources available in the community for parents. Some families will receive further support through home visitation. That’s right, information brought right to the home.
Who Can Participate?
Expectant parents residing in Kentucky.
If a family adopts a baby before baby is 3 months old, they can participate.
When do HAND Services Begin?
Services can begin during pregnancy or anytime before a child is 3 months old.
Why Participate in HANDS?
- Parents are the most important people in a baby’s life.
- Parents are the first and most important teachers a child will ever have.
- Parenting is a very demanding job, and all parents have worries, questions and stress.
What Can Parents Expect?
- Support through your pregnancy and the early years of your baby’s life
- Ways to make your home safer for your baby
- Information on how to care for your baby
- Facts that will let you know your baby is growing and developing in healthy ways
- Activities that you and your baby can enjoy together that can stimulate your child’s brain development
- Access to other community services
What are the Main Goals of HANDS?
- Healthy pregnancies and births
- Healthy child growth and development
- Healthy, safe homes
- Self-sufficient families