Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) is an evidence-based, community health nursing program for families affected by economic inequality who are expecting their first child. Clients are partnered with a registered nurse early in their pregnancy and receive home visits until their child turns two. The nurse partners with families to build a vision, confidence, and the tools they need to assure a healthy start for their babies and accomplish their individual and family goals.
More than four decades of research has consistently proven that NFP succeeds at meeting its goals, providing improved pregnancy outcomes, promotion of child health and development, and the encouragement of economic self-sufficiency for families.
Program Approach
Registered nurses visit parents and babies in their homes for over two years, starting in pregnancy. The program is uniquely effective due to the following characteristics:
- Voluntary enrollment of first-time, low-income parents (an optimal time to promote positive behaviors).
- Long-term program duration (over 2 years).
- Delivery by highly-trained, registered nurses who deliver skilled consultation and mentoring.
- Nurses develop close, trusting relationships with the parents and their child.
- Strengths-based: an emphasis on client’s unique strengths and development of a positive vision and plan for their lives and the lives of their children.
Program Map
Results
Healthy Pregnancy
86%
of clients were screened for depression during pregnancy
90%
of babies born full-term
Healthy Child Growth & Development
94%
of clients initiated breastfeeding
74%
of infants received a developmental screening at 4 months and 70% at 10 months
92%
of toddles were fully immunized at age two
Economic Self-Sufficiency
43%
of clients without a high school diploma/GED at enrollment earned a diploma/GED by program completion
57%
of clients 18 years old or older at intake were employed at program completion