Boone County's Healthy Babies Program, a pregnancy support program staffed by Social Services Specialists from the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, was recognized this month as a 2013 Leader in Child Abuse Prevention by Missouri Prevention Partners.
One of 28 programs across the state, Healthy Babies was honored for exemplary leadership in accepting the responsibility of child abuse prevention and taking steps to protect children in our community. Using the "Partners for a Healthy Baby" curriculum, Healthy Babies offers monthly home visits from a Social Services Specialist and can help with cribs, clothing, diapers, WIC, food stamps, Medicaid and breastfeeding. The free, voluntary program is funded by the Missouri Children's Trust Fund and Public Health and Human Services.
"Our Social Services Specialists develop meaningful relationships with the Healthy Babies families", said Public Health and Human Services Director Stephanie Browning. "They take very seriously their role in healthy child development and the prevention of child abuse and neglect. I'm confident that the advice and support they give these moms throughout pregnancy has a lasting impact in each family."