FORT LEE, Va. (Aug. 13, 2015) -- While some initiatives of the Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program are focused on a few of the negative aspects of society, the New Parent Support Program is a shining beacon for military families who just want to have fun while interacting with their kids.
The NPSP provides information, support and guidance for expecting parents and families with children through the age of three.
The program hinges on home visitation, where families get one-on-one instruction and education about anything to do with pregnancy, infants and toddlers, said Elaine Sexton, one of the two home visitors for the NPSP.
Sexton, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, is a registered nurse, and has most of her nursing experience in obstetrics and labor and delivery. She also has her master's degree in community services with an emphasis in child growth and development.
Her counterpart, Mary Parke Holland, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
"So, we have a nurse and a social worker," said Sexton. "We have a nice balance."
The two help Families with child growth and development, infant expectations, coping with new children, stress management, breastfeeding and positive discipline strategies, among many other topics.
"We provide whatever the family needs," she said. "We have a needs assessment so if there is anything in particular the family needs, like relationship struggles, mom having depression or issues with their child. We try to come up with a plan that addresses those issues. Sometimes it's simple like they want some education before the baby comes, so we can do a class in their home.
"If their child is here, and there's potentially a developmental issue, like a 6 month old who can't turn over, we can help with that," Parke Holland continued. "If it's a two-year-old who is throwing toys or not talking yet, we can help with that as well."
If a family doesn't want to bring the program into their homes, they also can meet in the office or do information referral if they need or want assistance the program can't provide.
"Sometimes people are afraid of us because they think their house isn't clean enough or we are going to judge them, but that's not what we care about," said Parke Holland. "I'm a mom too … I'm used to a house that isn't picture perfect. If you're worried about missing child safety items like outlet covers or door knob covers, we have those we can give you. We're here to help."
"We do education and support for the families," added Sexton, "but we also can give them information about services on and off post. That's why the program is the big umbrella to service the family."
Home visitation isn't the only way NPSP supports military families. On Tuesdays, they offer a play group for children up to age 4 from 12:30-2 p.m. at the Multi-Program Child Development Center. The play group is open to the Fort Lee community, and participants do not have to be registered with the NPSP or Child, Youth and School Services. A parent or guardian is required to attend with the child.
Several classes also are held to start parents on the right track. Each class is held from 1-3 p.m. What to Expect Now That You Are Expecting is offered the 1st Wednesday of each month and Baby Basic Training is offered the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The program also offers a Childbirth Education Class one Saturday, every other month, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. To sign up for a class, call (804) 734-6381.
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