Early help

During pregnancy or after the birth of a child, families are confronted with a completely new situation that needs to be mastered. It is not uncommon for parents to feel exhausted or even overburdened in this new phase of life. In addition to the newborn, one or more siblings may also have to be cared for and normal everyday life has to be managed as well.

The networks and services of early prevention offer support during this time.

Early prevention focuses on the resources of families and communities, strengthens their self-help potential, but also provides orientation and further assistance in difficult life situations.

Early prevention always aims to improve and expand support for mothers and fathers. They enable early support for families at the beginning of parenthood before stresses become entrenched and thus have a preventive effect. Better care for families is also to be created through the networking of all actors in the field of early help. In Hessen, there is a coordination office for early prevention in all 33 districts, independent cities and special cities. The Hessian network coordinators are the local contact persons and guides for families and professionals.

The establishment and expansion of early help networks in Hessen is an important focus of Hessen's family policy. The aim is to accompany and support parents, especially during pregnancy and in the first 3 years of the child's life. This also includes the use of family midwives and family health and paediatric nurses. These are state-certified midwives or health and paediatric nurses with an additional qualification. This qualifies them to support and accompany parents and families in stressful life situations. Family midwives support families up to one year after the birth of the child, family health and paediatric nurses up to three years. The professionals assist with health care and provide psychosocial support.

Among other things, they provide information and guidance on the care, nutrition, development and support of the child. If necessary, they can refer the child to further help. The health workers are therefore important guides for families through the numerous services available in the municipalities.