“Baby
Steps to Stronger Big Island Families”
Presented
in Washington D.C. February 15, 2006
‘Baby
Steps’ Prevention Model Strengthens Families
from Birth to Adulthood
Research
shows that nurturing and providing a supportive environment
for children from the moment they’re born can
help prevent them from making unhealthy choices later
in life. Coalition leaders in Hawaii are helping
families do just that through the “Baby Steps
to Stronger Big Island Families” program.
The
North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition’s model, which
incorporates early childhood and substance abuse
prevention expertise, begins at the time a mother
gives birth. By working with local hospitals, Healthy
Start providers, businesses and nonprofit organizations,
the Coalition ensures that all new moms receive a “Newborn
Basket,” which includes educational materials
about healthy parenting behaviors; a “snuggly” or
strap that allows mothers to carry babies close to
them; a resource directory and a “first book
for babies.” In addition, parents receive training
on healthy parenting behaviors and health providers
are trained on how to best support and nurture families.
The
goal is to ensure that children are taught to value
themselves and form a strong bond with their mothers
early on, explained Angela Thomas, an early childhood
specialist with the North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition.
“The first year
of a child’s life, in my mind, is the most important
time in a child’s development, yet this is when
families seem to be least informed,” Thomas noted. “This
is when we need to begin our prevention efforts because
this is when their brains are developing the most.”
The
program was built around research showing that developing
a strong attachment to a significant adult and a positive
sense of self are protective factors for the prevention
of negative behaviors, such as substance abuse.
“Mother-child
bonding is important for a child’s self esteem
so that when later on if they’re confronted with
the opportunity to use illegal substances they’ll
have the strength of character to say no,” Thomas
said. “In order to build that strong sense of self,
we need to strengthen families and empower parents where
they live.”
Thomas
will share the results of the program and helpful
steps that coalitions can take to replicate the program
in their communities at CADCA’s
National Leadership Forum XVI, held February 14-16, 2006
at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. The workshop, “Baby
Steps to Stronger Big Island Families,” will be
held on Wednesday, February 15.
Provided
by CADCA’s
Coalitions on-line article dated Nov. 10, 2005
For
more information on CADCA visit: http://cadca.org
