Polk County Public Health offers visits for families by Public Health Nurses prenatally through early childhood. Family Home Visits are a voluntary service conducted to promote the healthy development and emotional well-being of families. Family Home Visiting supports parents in the role as their child’s first teacher. Home visits are relaxed, fun, interactive and done in the comfort of the families’ home, or at another location if preferred by the family.
If you have questions or want to set up a home visit, please call 218-281-3385 or contact us directly via email.
What happens during a home visit?
A home visit includes a physical assessment of the child, including taking the child's weight. Education for moms and/or dads, guardians, and other caregivers, including topics such as:
- Breastfeeding Support
- Safety, Environment, and Car Seats
- Period of Purple Crying
- Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Program
- Immunizations and Well Child Exams
- Infant and Toddler Development
- Reproductive and Sexual Health
- Maternal Health & Mental Well-Being
Referrals for the family to community resources and other agency services such as:
- WIC
- Head Start
- Early Childhood Family Education
- Mental Health
- Follow Along Program
- Car Seats
- Help Me Grow
- Help Me Connect
- Family Resource Center