Connecting NJ provides mothers, fathers, grandparents, and guardians free or affordable access to people, organizations, and other sources of information needed to raise healthy children. Our mission is to connect expecting women and families with children up to age 18 to local resources and developmental coaching for families with children up to age 5 and a half. We will also connect families to our free home visiting programs. Please see below for more information.
Healthy Families is a free program that provides in-home support for new and expecting parents. Home visitors meet with families on a regular basis to educate parents on their child’s development, help families set and achieve their goals, and link parents to existing social services and local resources. They promote positive parent-child interactions and support families from pregnancy through the child’s 3rd birthday.
Parents as Teachers is a free home visiting program that provides parents consistent support throughout their parenting journey. Meeting 2-4 times per month, home visitors work to educate parents on their child’s development, help families set and achieve their goals, and link parents to existing social services and local resources. They will also work with families to educate them on areas such as child safety, nutrition, and mental health. Designed to be a 3-year program, Parents As Teachers can provide support to expectant parents as well as families with children up to the age of 3.
Nurse-Family Partnership is a free program for all first-time moms under 28 weeks gestation. Moms will be paired with a registered nurse who will meet with them on a consistent basis to help prepare for the baby’s arrival to ensure the best possible outcomes for mom and baby. Moms can continue to receive support from their nurse, as well as help getting connected to local resources until the child turns 2.