Family Services

BabyCare | Early Intervention | Lead Case Management Program | Safe Sleep Program | Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding/Lactation Support Program

BabyCare

The BabyCare program improves pregnancy and birth outcomes by providing home visits from registered nurses to high-risk pregnant women and infants up to 24 months of age. The program provides free intensive case management, coordination of care, Pack N’ Plays, and education about prenatal care, birthing, infant care, parenting and community resources. Free child safety seats and booster seats are also available.

Early Intervention

Early Intervention (EI) provides a comprehensive, family-centered early intervention system for children. The Infant and Toddler Connection of the Roanoke Valley provides early intervention support and services to infants and toddlers from birth through age three who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay normal development. Developmental delays can occur in the following areas: cognitive, language, motor, adaptive/self-help, social emotional, hearing and/or vision. The focus of EI is to provide supports and services for babies and their families so that families can help their child learn during everyday activities and routines.

EI provides the following services:

• Service Coordination
• Coordinating assessment
• Writing initial individualized Family Service Plan (ISFP)
• On-going developmental services and assessments
• Assistance with referrals to community resources

Helpful Links:
Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Developmental Milestones

Lead Case Management Program

The Lead Case Management program prevents and treats elevated lead levels in children age 6 years old and under. When a child is diagnosed with elevated lead levels, a physician sends a report to the health department. A team of a Public Health Nurse and an Environmental Health Specialist responds to provide case management and a home assessment for the child. The goal is to identify and control the source of lead in the child’s environment, whether it be chipping paint, lead water pipes, contaminated soil, or another source, and assist the family in lowering the lead levels. The team is able to do the same assessment in other residences where the child spends a significant amount of time. The assessment includes instruction on care processes for the interior and exterior of the home. Eligible referrals are made to Lead-Safe Roanoke for the elimination of lead hazards from inside or outside the home and can include new windows, painting, or soil removal and replacement. Ongoing case management is provided to educate the parents on the child’s nutritional needs and to monitor the lead levels with the child’s physician until it can be maintained at a non-toxic level.

Safe Sleep Program

Where your baby sleeps is as important as how your baby sleeps. The Safe Sleep program provides education to parents and caregivers on how to create a safe sleep space for a baby. Upon completion of the class, free portable cribs are provided for each eligible child. Morning and evening classes are available. Please call the health department if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding/Lactation Support Program

Feeding your baby will be unique and individualized to you, your support system, family, and partner. When choosing to breastfeed/chestfeed your baby, it can be helpful to learn, prepare, and plan together. The resources on this page can help you with local and virtual resources to support your decision and plans to feed your baby.