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Families First: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a visit?

All first-time parents of newborns living in Sonoma County are eligible for three home visits. Either the father or the mother can qualify as a first-time parent and receive the visits.

Parents who can receive visits include: those parenting an infant for the first time, adoptive parents with their first baby, and some families in Santa Rosa with more than one child (see Watch me Grow program below).

Who will visit our family?

Our home visitors are warm, caring professionals you can count on. Many speak Spanish. They have an extensive knowledge of community resources and referrals, as well as good communication skills and ability to triage problems. They include nurses and other health professionals, parent educators, and child development specialists.

What will the visit cost? Who pays for the visit?

The three home visits are free to all first-time parents in Sonoma County. Families First is funded by FIRST 5 Sonoma County, from Proposition 10 Tobacco Tax money.

When are the visits done?

The home visitor arranges visits in the parent's home at a time convenient for the family, which can include evenings and weekends. The first visit is soon after the baby's birth. The second visit occurs between 3-6 months and the third visit is between 6-12 months.

What will we talk about at our visits?

The parent's interests guide what is discussed at each visit. The Families First home visiting program has identified areas of health and wellness that should be addressed to maximize optimal development of parent and infant.

Visit topics include:

• Your baby's development
• Your health as a new mother
• Your baby's health
• Resources in the community
• Taking care of baby's growing teeth
• Protecting your baby from the effects of tobacco smoke
• Feeding your baby (breast and/or bottle)
• Parenting concerns
• The social-emotional development of your baby
• How to keep your baby safe
• Going back to work and childcare
• Health and safety gifts for your baby

What if I am already receiving home visits by another agency?

If you are already receiving visits by another agency you can still receive the Families First program.

How do I receive a free visit?

There are three ways to request a visit:

• Request a visit at the hospital or birth center when your baby is born. You may be given a form to sign which gives us permission to call you, or it may be in the packet you receive. If you do not receive the form, you can ask for one. One of our home visitors will call you after you are settled at home and offer to visit at a time that is convenient for you.
• Call us at 565-4507.
• Use our online form to Request a Visit.

What type of gifts will I receive?

You will receive free health and safety gifts at each visit. The Parent Kit includes a DVD or videos (your choice) with important information for new parents, a Parents Guide for Sonoma County, a bib, the "Good Night Moon" book for baby, and two books for you, "Advice for New Parents" and "What To Do When Your Baby Gets Sick." You and your baby will receive other gifts such as a tote bag, a teething toy, outlet safety covers, a hand puppet, and a picture book for baby.

How many families have been visited by the Families First home visiting program?

The Families First program started in September 2002, and by September 2007 had made over 15,000 visits to new parents, with approximately 7,000 families participating in the program.

What do other families say about Families First?

Our parent survey indicates that 99 percent of parents recommend the visits to other families. Read a sample of parent comments about their Families First home visit experiences.

What if a new parent only speaks Spanish?

The Families First program provides home visits, materials, videos and gifts in Spanish.

What is the "Watch Me Grow" program?

"Watch Me Grow" is a school-readiness pilot program. Families with newborns living in a specific area of Santa Rosa can receive home visits from Families First, even if they have other children. If a family lives in the attendence area of these Santa Rosa schools...

• Bellevue
• Brook Hill
• Burbank
• Kawana
• Lehmann
• Lincoln
• Meadow View
• Monroe
• Roseland
• Sheppard
• Steele Lane

...they can receive home visits from Families First, even if the newborn baby is not their first child. They can also receive additional visits and services from the "Watch Me Grow" program. The "Watch Me Grow" program serves all children, from age 0 to 5 years, in this specific area of Santa Rosa. Call the Early Learning Institute at 707-591-0170 for more information about the "Watch Me Grow" program.

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