Help Me Grow Home Visiting

What do our Home Visitors do with families during home visits?

During visits, one of the primary things we do is engage mom or other caregiver and baby in activities that promote positive parent-child interaction and bonding, and child development. We implement the Healthy Families America program of home visiting, which is a national, evidence-based Home Visiting model. The main goal is to provide support, encouragement, information and resources to families to promote positive parent-child interaction. We utilize the “Parents as Teachers” evidence-based curriculum as the primary source of the activities and handouts that we use with parents. We routinely screen the child’s development in all areas (using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire) to help with the early identification of any potential developmental concerns.

When do we see families?

Weekly visits are recommended, especially with new families and newborn babies. Frequent visits, especially in the early stages, are very beneficial in establishing a relationship with your family and getting to know ways to best help. We understand the unique needs and schedules every family has, so we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your family.

Where do we visit families?

There’s no place like your home for learning how to be the best parent for your child, so the most common place where we visit with our families is in their homes. However, we are flexible to visit wherever your family feels most comfortable. Some moms feel more comfortable meeting at a local coffee shop or fast food restaurant. When the weather is nice, we’ve even had visits at a park or playground, or the local library!

Why do we do all these things?

We want parents to feel they have someone they can rely on to ask questions about their children, and learn ways to enjoy and teach their young children. We provide this support in a nonjudgmental and supportive way.

Who is Eligible?

• Pregnant women (must meet HMG income guidelines) OR
• First-time moms with a child under 6 months of age (must meet HMG income guidelines)
• Some exceptions to eligibility can be made – contact us for more information

Do you have questions before signing up for the Help Me Grow program?

We can walk you through the process before you sign up and answer any questions you might have. Call us at (216) 292-9700, and ask to speak to someone about Help Me Grow.

How do I sign up?

All applications are accepted through Help Me Grow of Cuyahoga County. You may request the Achievement Centers for Children to provide services when you apply for services.

For more information or to make a referral:

call the Achievement Centers for Children at (216) 292-9700

or Help Me Grow Referral Line at 1-800-755-GROW (4769)

or visit http://www.helpmegrow.ohio.gov/en/Professionals/Central-Intake