Department of Human Services partners with CHIP of Virginia

The Newport News Department of Human Services has partnered with CHIP of Virginia to incorporate health services into the Parents as Teachers home visiting program. This partnership strengthens the variety of early childhood services available to families in the Newport News community.

CHIP of Virginia, founded in 1990 and originally known as the Comprehensive Health Investment Project, wants to make sure that young children living in low income families receive consistent, quality health care prenatally through age six. In addition, they want to provide a family-centered case management system that encourages health, stability, good parenting, and self-sufficiency. Through the partnership with CHIP, the Newport News Human Services Department receives two Maternal Child Health nursing professionals to help to improve health related consequences for children and their families in our City.

Parents as Teachers home visiting program helps parents to obtain health care for their children, understand early childhood development, and learn more about parenting. Home visitors plan activities for parents and children, screen for child development, assess health, and gather information about family needs to make sure that children are ready to succeed in school. For more information, contact Kelly Parker, Prevention Services Supervisor at kparker@nnva.gov or 757- 926-6277.