Publications
Health Facts: Children's Health
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program
How the program works:
- A baby may be born with Down's Syndrome, or have a congenital heart defect.
- A six week old may not be turning its head toward noises.
- A toddler may be a late talker.
- A new mom may be depressed.
- There may be domestic violence.
Under the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program, any one of these problems would set in motion a network of community resources to help.
The first step -- early identification of the problem -- can happen during pregnancy, at birth, or afterwards.
Once identified, children and families are referred to appropriate support services in the community through the local public health unit.
Highlights of the program:
- Screening and assessment during pregnancy ensure help is provided early.
- Newborns are screened in hospitals.
- New mothers are called after hospital discharge and offered a home visit.
- The program includes children up to the age of six.
- It acknowledges that children can become "at risk" at any time because of changes in family circumstances, or problems at new stages of development.
- Coordinated, efficient, family-focused services link health, social services and education systems under the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program.
Programs and Services
