Healthy Families New York

Healthy Families New York (HFNY) is the state's premier child abuse prevention program. It has a proven track record of improving outcomes for children at risk for child abuse. Through guidance and support for pregnant and new mothers, the program begins at the earliest opportunity and achieves astonishing results. Cost savings begin immeditately with healthier babies delivered and continue for years as children do better in school.

HFNY serves high-risk families in 38 of New York's highest need communities. A statewide system of training, site support, information management and evaluation ensures the program's quality and effecitiveness.

A stringent seven-year evaluation demonstrates:

HFNY prevents child maltreatment

  • Parents' physical abuse of their children is reduced.
  • Parents use more non-violent discipline and positive parenting skills.
  • Parents at higest risk of child abuse—teen mothers and families with prior child protective involvement—have fewer confirmed cases of abuse and neglect.

The average cost to provide HFNY services to a family is about $4600. The average annual cost for one child in foster care is more than $24,000. Federal, state and local expenditures on child welfare services in New York are approximately $2.7 billion.

HFNY improves birth outcomes and health care

  • Low birth weight deliveries are reduced by 50%, saving an estimated $2.4 million in one year.
  • Immunization, lead blood screening and needed medical care are increased.
  • Parental depression, alcohol, cigarette and drug use are decreased.

HFNY improves education outcomes

  • Children are more likely to participate in a gifted program.
  • Children are less likely to receive special education services or to skip school.
  • Children of young teen mothers are less likely to score below average on standarized tests and less likely to repeat a grade.

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