What is HANDS?

Health Access Nurturing Development Services = HANDS. Any parent in Marshall County is eligible to enroll, at no cost to the family, from pregnancy up to 90 days after birth for this voluntary home visiting program.

HANDS main goals are to promote healthy pregnancies and births, healthy child growth and development, healthy and safe homes, and self-sufficient families. Each family works with a parent visitor, on a weekly basis, to help reach goals set by the family. We know that each child is unique and reaches milestones at different points. Our HANDS team is here to discuss any questions or concerns about pregnancy and baby’s first years.

Who should join HANDS?

HANDS is available to ALL parents in Kentucky! Each county in Kentucky has a HANDS program. Marshall County Health Department has a team dedicated to serving expecting parents and children up to age 2. Families must enroll during pregnancy or before the child turns 90 days old.

HANDS believes:

All families have strengths.
Families are responsible for their children.
Families are the primary decision makers regarding their children.
Communities recognize their roles in children’s lives.
Communities recognize that all children must succeed.
Prevention and early intervention improve the community’s well-being.
Public and private partnerships are vital to a successful program.

Why participate in HANDS?

HANDS knows that:
• Parents are the most important people in a baby’s life.
• Parents are their child’s first and most important teachers.
• Parenting can be demanding and comes with worries, questions, and stress.

No matter your background, we are here to offer an extra pair of hands as you learn the best way to connect with and help your baby grow. All families receive research-based information and learn about resources available in their community.

Parents have reported HANDS provided:

Support through all stages of pregnancy and the early years of baby’s life.

- Tips and support for ways to make their home safe for baby.
- Information on how to care for their baby.
- Information regarding their baby’s growth and development in a healthy way, including bonding and building secure/trusting relationships.
- Activities that the whole family can enjoy and stimulate the baby’s brain development.
- Information regarding stress management.
- Information regarding discipline techniques.
- Access to other community services.

“So many things are happening and changing for you and your baby from the moment you find out you are expecting. The experience can become quickly overwhelming, but I believe the HANDS program offers support for families during these times. We can provide that support and address questions and worries, right in your home. Even as a nurse and a parent I have been able to learn new things that allow me to show up as a better parent for my family. I think all families could benefit from this program.”

"HANDS helped us with talking about our feelings and teaching Liam about feelings and what we are feeling. They also helped us set fun goals on things we wanted to accomplish as a family."

“The HANDS program has helped me tremendously with both of my girls! We made goals that we worked towards and were always so excited for our little family to reach! The HANDS program was an EXTRA little village that will always be there for you and your questions or concerns! I am SO THANKFUL FOR THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY!”

“As first-time parents the HANDS program and associates have been a huge help in understanding our child and his growth and development as well as helping us learn from each other on how to help our son grow, attach, learn, and understand us. They have truly been a huge help, as well as friendly, caring, and very trustworthy.”

“It's been very beneficial in having someone to talk to when I'm doubting myself and what I'm doing with my baby.”

HANDS has helped me in many ways, especially socially! I’m home 24/7 for the most part and don’t have very many to talk to, especially about baby. All the girls are amazing and are willing to help in so many ways! Payton is downright my favorite, and you’ll love her too. I definitely recommend the HANDS program for all moms!

HANDS is one of my favorite decisions I’ve ever made!! Not only have they been tracking my son’s development, but they have made sure that I’m okay too! Payton, my HANDS lady, is absolutely amazing. She comes in happy every appointment and she’s amazing with the kids! She really cares about this program, and it shows!

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Page Updated 2-5-2024