Family Beginnings is a great collaboration between the Platte County Health Department and Healthy Families Counseling and Support, Inc. The program offers an array of wonderful services to parents.

What is Family Beginnings?

Family Beginnings is a program set up to work with couples who are pregnant or have a baby under three months of age.  It’s a chance to learn, as a couple, how to strengthen your relationships with each other and with the new baby!

The program is FREE of charge.  Services are voluntary and can last up to 5 years.  The program services are tailored to the needs and wishes of each family. Enrolled participants get access to our “Date Night”.  This is a once-a-week event for up to 14 weeks.  A wonderful dinner and Child Care are provided at no cost!!  The evening is lead by a male and female facilitator who have great activities and discussions for couples.

What families are saying about “Date Night”:

• "It helped open up different avenues of conversation."
• "Helped me see deeper into my partner."
• "The info. we learned and activities we did helped us address issues and brought us closer together.”
• "We learned how to communicate better with one another and how to handle disagreements and stress."
• “It teaches you that it’s OK to argue if you do it right.  Also, it expresses the importance of teamwork.."
• “The couples’ workshop taught us different ways to open conversations with one another.”

Family Beginnings also provides a home-based visitation program. A Family Support Specialist from the Platte County Health Department will provide education, support, and community referrals.  Topics covered include:

• Prenatal Care;
• Newborn Care;
• Information about growth and development of your child;
• Family Healthcare;
• Healthy Family Lifestyles;
• Safety Information; and
• Coping skills to handle life stressors.

Who Qualifies for Family Beginnings?

• Families living in Platte County, Missouri;
• Mothers who are pregnant or have a baby under three months of age;
• Mothers who are currently in a relationship but not married; and
• Families who want extra support and guidance.

Why we are here?

To improve children’s well-being by providing the skills and information needed for their parents to improve the quality and stability of their relationships and to support couples as they grow in their relationships.

Community Partnerships

Platte County WIC Services
Family Planning Services
Platte County Primary Care
Special Deliveries
Healthy Families Counseling and Support, Inc.
Tender Beginnings Plus
Bravehearts for Dads
Northland Healthcare Access
Mentor Moms
Synergy Services

Referrals

If you are with a hospital or medical facility wishing to make a referral for a client, please complete the Family Beginnings Form.

Open the form and type information directly onto the form.
Referral forms must be signed by the client.

Submit a referral by printing the form and faxing a copy to Attn: Jennie Crowe, Family Support Specialist at (816) 858-2087.

If you would like more information please contact Jennie Crowe, Family Support Specialist at (816) 858-2412 ext 109, by cell phone at (816) 935-4113, or by email at crowej2@lpha.dhss.mo.gov.