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 program aims to provide children with a healthy start in life by offering:

Screening and assessment to identify families who may benefit from additional support.
Home visiting services delivered by public health nurses and lay home visitors to build family strengths, address risks, and support healthy development.
Referrals and connection to other 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
Growth and development
Adjustment to parenthood
Parental health and well-being
Building healthy relationships
Child and family safety
Accessing community supports

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.
Prenatal or Postpartum Referral: Self-referrals and third-party referrals are accepted.

Self-Referral: Families can call the health unit 705-721-7520 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM) to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
Third-Party Referral: Health and social service providers may refer clients with consent by completing the HBHC screen and faxing it to 705-734-9265.

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.

For self-referral, pregnant parents and families with children can call the health unit at 705-721-7520 Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to speak with a Public Health Nurse about the HBHC program.

HBHCscreen

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.