Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program

HEALTHY BABIES HEALTHY CHILDREN (HBHC)

The Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program is designed to support pregnant individuals and families with children from birth to school entry who are experiencing risks that may impact healthy child development and parenting. Participation in HBHC is entirely voluntary and requires client consent.

The HBHC home visiting team (consisting of a Public Health Nurse, who is a Registered Nurse, and a Family Home Visitor) collaborates with clients and families to address their identified risks, identify and achieve their goals, increase their parenting capacity, improve parent-child relationships, and optimize child development outcomes. This is accomplished through screening and assessment, frequent home visits and timely referrals and connections to other relevant community programs and services.

The HBHC home visiting team collaborates with clients and families to achieve their goals and provide support in the following areas:

Healthy pregnancies
Infant and child feeding
Infant and child growth and development
Adjustment to parenthood
Parental health, including mental health and well-being
Building healthy relationships
Child and family safety
Basic needs (food, housing, finances)
Accessing community supports and services for families

Referral and Access to Services

Families can be referred to the HBHC program through the following pathways:

Hospital Referral: All postpartum clients are offered screening and referral before discharge.

Self-Referral: Families can call the health unit 705-721-7520 ext 6850 and leave a message. A HBHC Public Health Nurse will return their call within 7 business days.
Third-Party Referral (prenatal, postpartum or early childhood up to age 4): Health and social service providers may refer consenting clients by:
- Completing the HBHC screen and faxing it to 705-734-9265,
- Completing the online HBHC referral form (coming soon),
- Or, calling 705-721-7520 ext. 6850 and leaving a voice message with their contact information. A HBHC Public Health Nurse will return their call within 7 business days.

Additional Information

Services can be provided in languages other than English using interpretation services.
Referral does not guarantee services; all referrals are assessed for eligibility by HBHC Public Health Nurses.
During times of increased demand or limited staffing, eligible clients may experience delays. Families will receive support and referrals to meet urgent needs during intake assessments if delays occur.

Visit www.smdhu.org/hbhc for information about the Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program.
For self-referral, pregnant parents and families with children ages 4 and under can call the health unit at 705-721-7520 ext. 6850 and leave a message. A HBHC Public Health Nurse will return their call within 7 business days.

HBHCscreen
HBHC Referral Form (coming soon)

Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program

For Indigenous families, the Indigenous HBHC program offers culturally respectful and supportive services, delivered through:

Beausoleil First Nation: chimnissing.ca
Barrie Native Friendship Centre: barrienfc.ca
Métis Nation of Ontario – Midland: metisnation.org
Chippewas of Rama First Nation: Chippewas of Rama Health Services
Parry Sound Area: Contact Laura Hansman, RN, BScN

Tel: 705-746-5807
Mobile: 705-773-8653
Email: [email protected]

For more details or assistance, Indigenous families are encouraged to reach out to their preferred organization.