Polk County

Q: What is Healthy Families?

A: Healthy Families America is an initiative that promotes positive parenting, child health, and development in order to help prevent child abuse and other poor childhood outcomes.

Q: How Does Healthy Families Work?

A: Healthy Families Polk begins with a worker spending time with pregnant women or new parents to discuss their hopes and concerns surrounding parenting. Services are offered to families on a voluntary basis. Home visits last up to five years and focus on parenting skills, child development, child health and other aspects of child and family functions.

Q: How Do I Make a Referral to Healthy Families?

A: To make a referral you need to complete a  Healthy Families Referral Form. Please be sure to include the following in your referral request:

• Parent's Name
• Parent's Address
• Parent's Phone Number

If the baby has been born include:

• Baby's Name
• Baby's Date of Birth

If the parent is prenatal include:

• Parent's Expected Due Date

Remember to include your name and phone number as well. Referrals to Healthy Families must be made either prenatally or before the baby turns three months old. You can fax the information to (863) 534-7042 or call us at (863) 534-5022.

For all other questions please contact the Healthy Families Division by email, phone (863) 534-5022; or fax (863) 534-7042. The office hours are Monday-Friday between 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (excluding holidays).