NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAMSupport Services for Army Families

Garrison Information

www.armyonesource.com

The New Parent Support Program offers parenting and child development skills to ensure new parents become nurturing and capable caregivers.

The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) provides education and support services for expectant parents and parents with children up to three years of age. Experienced and licensed clinical social workers and registered nurses provide NPSP services at the installation. They have extensive experience working with Families with young children and are sensitive to the unique challenges military Families face. The NPSP program integrates an array of preventive education services and activities that promote the involvement of both parents, when applicable.

NPSP supports an Army Family’s adaptation to military life and provides knowledge and skills that promote healthy Family interactions. NPSP is a voluntary and proactive program that helps Families form healthy relationships, provides safe and nurturing environments for children, and encourages formal and informal support networks. However, in situations where child abuse and domestic violence is present or may occur, Soldiers and Families may be directed to participate in NPSP involuntarily.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? All Soldiers and their Families are eligible to receive services. Priority for NPSP services is given to first-time parents, single parents and dual-military Families. Families may enter the program through referral by a health professional, Command, civilian agencies, or by personally requesting NPSP services.

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE? All NPSP services help families face the challenges and demands of parenting. Program services include initial screening, play and support groups, and education briefs on deployment, reunions and reintegration. Classes available at the installation may include topics on prenatal and infant care, home and infant safety, children and the deployment cycle, stress management, first time dads, raising toddlers and more.

HOME VISITSNew Parent Support Program-Home Visitation (NPSP-HV) supports Families in their homes and may be initiated during the prenatal period. Home visits are conveniently scheduled to allow both parents to work together on developing a Family Service Plan. Family Service Plans identify goals that meet the changing needs of Families.

FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM MISSIONThe New Parent Support Program is a function of the Army’s overall Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Mission. FAP supports Soldier and Family readiness by preventing and addressing child abuse and domestic violence. FAP encourages the reporting of abuse and violence, protects victims and ensures cases receive prompt assessment, investigation and treatment by qualified professionals. Services within FAP help commanders identify current and potential child abuse and domestic violence situations. Support services like NPSP proactively address the concerns and challenges new Families face during pregnancy and early childhood.

Goals of the Family Advocacy Program focus on enhancing the parent-child relationship, the emotional and social adaptability of children and the self-sufficiency and resilience of parents.

FAP GOALS • Safety: Prevent child maltreatment and domestic

violence

• Personnel Preparedness: Contribute to the development of adaptable and interdependent Soldiers and Families

• Self-sufficiency: Support Soldier and Family member adaptation to the military

• Community Cohesion: Encourage active social connections and participation in the Army community

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAMSupport Services for New Parents