Did You Know?

While Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) has proven highly successful in the US, every country is different. So now, other countries around the world are evaluating the program to see how well it works in their jurisdictions, too. In addition to Canada, these other countries include the Netherlands and England, who have both completed studies, while Norway and Australia are currently exploring the program’s feasibility. The English trial had negative findings, although the trial in the Netherlands was positive — underscoring the importance of completing the BC trial to learn how to really benefit children and mothers here.

When children cannot live with their parents, the option of living with family — or kinship care — should be explored. Compared to typical foster care, kinship care can lead to improved child well-being, fewer childhood mental disorders and fewer placement changes. For more information, see Vol. 8, No. 3 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

Public health nurses receive intensive education before delivering Nurse-Family Partnership — so they can bring strong skills to the program and also tailor it to the individual to build rapport. For example, nurses meet in the settings of the mother’s own choosing — her home or another place that feels safe for her. Choices like this allow the mother to experience greater convenience — and to develop trust and a close relationship with the nurse.

Feb. 27/20 marks National Anti-Bullying day in which all people are asked to stand up to this serious health risk that arises out of an imbalance in power. Bullying can be prevented, and adults can help. For example, children experience less victimization at schools where teachers send strong anti-bullying messages. In contrast, children experience more victimization at schools with high conflict and limited supervision. So, schools can take concrete steps to keep children safe. For more information, see Vol. 2, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

American cost analyses have suggested that Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) may pay for itself over the long term— even after nursing costs are factored in — based on calculations showing that NFP families used fewer added services across multiple sectors, including healthcare, child protection, special education, justice and income assistance. While estimates will differ country-to-country, these US figures nevertheless suggest there may be “savings” of two to six dollars for every NFP dollar spent over 10 to 15 years — suggesting the program may pay for itself.

Many forms of childhood adversity are avoidable. Preventing exposure to adversity is therefore always the main goal. But when prevention is not possible, effective treatments are critical. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is the most successful intervention when children have been maltreated or have been exposed to community violence. For more information, see Vol. 5, No. 3 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

Nurse-Family Partnership is now being delivered in more than 60 communities as an enhanced public health service across four regional BC Health Authorities — an example of providing services proportionate to need. Girls and young women who are early in pregnancy and wish to enroll can contact:
• Fraser Health — Best Beginnings Program. Toll-free: 1-877-820-7444
• Vancouver Coastal Health — Public Health Prenatal Program. Toll-free: 1-855-550-2229
• Island Health — Right From the Start Program. Toll-free: 1-877-370-8699
• Interior Health — Healthy From the Start Program. Toll-free: 1-855-868-7710

Primary care practitioners are also welcome to contact these Health Authority programs to make referrals.

Conduct disorder involves serious behaviour problems such as aggression toward others. It causes heavy burdens for individual children and for their families. It also leads to heavy societal burdens — particularly when the added health care, education, social service and justice system costs are counted. Given these added costs, averting just one case of conduct disorder could save an estimated $4.2 to $7 million over the lifetime — enough to pay for new prevention programs. For more information, see Vol. 1, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.

Although the teen pregnancy rate has declined in BC, many pregnant adolescents and young moms continue to experience added challenges, such a struggling with low income, high rents and insufficient social supports. As well, healthcare providers often fail to adequately reach this population. Nurse-Family Partnership works to address these challenges by actively supporting and empowering young families.

When a parent is depressed, the entire family is affected. And when a parent receives effective treatment, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, the entire family can benefit. For example, children often experience more positive moods when the affected parent’s mood improves. For more information, see Vol. 4, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.