RBC | SafeCare Colorado brings free parent support program to Rio Blanco County
SafeCare Colorado, a program of Northwest Colorado Health, is expanding to serve families in Rio Blanco County. The free, voluntary program works with parents to build a solid foundation supporting children’s growth during key development years. SafeCare Colorado will be hosting a free information session to launch the program in Rio Blanco County on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Center in Meeker (200 Main St.).
SafeCare Colorado connects Parent Support Providers with families who have children five and younger who could use extra support keeping their young children safe and healthy. The first and most important step is establishing rapport so parents feel comfortable inviting Parent Support Providers into their home (in-person or virtually). This opens the door to a knowledge-sharing relationship that boosts parents’ confidence and eases the stress of what can be a challenging journey for anyone.
“Being a parent is a hard job. All of us need a hand up at some point,” said Kim Maneotis, SafeCare Colorado Supervisor with Northwest Colorado Health. “If we can provide more information to assist parents on this path, it not only helps them be better parents, it helps them enjoy parenting more.”
SafeCare involves three modules — home safety, child health and parent-child interactions. Parent support providers assess parents’ progress in each module before moving on to the next. It takes about four to six months for families to master the entire program.
The home safety portion of the program focuses on identifying and addressing hazards to babies and toddlers on the move. SafeCare provides electrical outlet covers, doorknob covers and other items families need to protect their children from common household hazards.
Parents who reach the child health module receive a first aid kit and manual to guide them through common child illnesses and injuries. They discuss different scenarios — how to care for their child at home, when they should see a doctor and when to seek emergency care.
Parents also receive guidance on developing healthy bonds with their babies and establishing routines and expectations to encourage good behavior as children grow.
“Our mission is to empower parents,” Maneotis said. “We want to build on what they know and give them the skills they need to be self-sufficient and advocate for their families.”
Families who benefit from SafeCare often face hardships related to income, housing, transportation, partner and peer support and health issues. Parent Support Providers connect parents to community resources that can help with basic living needs so they can focus more on their children’s health and safety.
Parent Support Providers receive referrals from community organizations and health care providers. SafeCare referrals can also come from family members, and parents and caregivers can inquire about the program for themselves.
Northwest Colorado Health has been offering the program in Moffat and Routt Counties since 2017, and looks forward to working with families in Rio Blanco County. The SafeCare Colorado launch event is open to community organizations and the public. Kyra Montgomery from the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, and Katherine Casillas from the Kemp Center will be joining to share more about the history of SafeCare and how it can support families, community partners and agencies in Rio Blanco County. SafeCare will be hosting this event with COVID-19 in mind.
For more information or to make a referral visit northwestcoloradohealth.org/safecare or call 970-415-2668.
HOPEWEST PRESS RELEASE | Special to the Herald Times
