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Description
The aim of the project is the Adoption and Training of Nurse-Family Partnership Program in Lithuania. To achieve this goal, a Family Attendance Model for Early Intervention will be developed. To ensure the success of the project, the training program will be developed for nurses and midwives to provide early intervention services for women who are pregnant, have given birth or are raising children under the age of 2. The training program selects motivated, communicative and empathetic professionals whose personal qualities will help ensure the success of the project. The team of these specialists will be constantly consulted and supervised.This project will implement the first initiative in Lithuania to help families, especially from vulnerable groups, to develop parenting skills, help create a safe environment for children, and change the ''cultural - historical'' awareness of childcare and upbringing. This project will create a patient-centered service, raise awareness of families and take responsibility for the health and safety of their families and children. The project is expected to reduce the risk of gestational hypertension in pregnant women by 27% and reduce the risk of preterm birth to 37 weeks by 28%. Experience in other countries shows that this model reduces 60% of neonatal mortality, 31% reduces the likelihood of a second pregnancy within 2 years after the first birth, shows 38% decrease in cases when children are hospitalized due to injuries, and 31% less child abuse (4-15 years old), 46% decrease in youth (15-17 years) arrests for criminal activities.
Pregnant women, women giving birth and raising children up to 2 years of age will benefit directly from the project. The indirect benefit of the project will be felt by their families and their immediate environment as well as by the communities of all municipalities involved in the project.
Summary of project results
The Family Home Visiting Early Intervention Services Model Program is an evidence-based nursing initiative designed to support first-time parents facing social challenges. Nurses and midwives visit expectant families in their homes, focusing on the physical and mental well-being of the mother while monitoring the health and development of the child.
The project aimed to adapt a specialised training program and prepare highly motivated professionals to provide quality support to mothers, helping them make informed decisions about their child’s care. The goal was also to involve at least 10 municipalities in offering these services to expectant families or those from vulnerable backgrounds, ensuring a safe environment and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
In addition to healthcare support, the services include guidance on family planning, assistance with mothers’ return to the labor market after childbirth, access to community resources, and strategies for achieving financial independence.
During the project, a postgraduate training program, “Family Home Visiting Early Intervention Services,” was developed. Through this program, 22 specialists were trained to provide support to families in 11 Lithuanian municipalities: Vilnius, Kaunas, Marijampolė, Telšiai, Šiauliai, Klaipėda, Plungė, Pakruojis, Ukmergė, Rokiškis and Elektrėnai.
The home visits were intensive and structured. Families were visited 14 times during pregnancy, 28 times from birth to the child’s first birthday, and 22 times between the ages of one and two. During each visit, specialists completed detailed documentation and visit forms, designed based on best international practices while considering the specifics of Lithuania’s healthcare system.
Each visit focused on assessing family behavior and the home environment, with particular attention to the most vulnerable areas. Specialists evaluated three key aspects:
- Care and health – assessing the well-being of both mother and child.
- Decision-making and support – guiding parents in caring for their child.
- Social and community resources – evaluating the family''s support network, home environment and access to assistance.
By systematically tracking these areas, the program helped families create a safer, healthier and more supportive environment for their children.
During the project, a specialised training program was developed, and specialists were trained to provide family home visiting services. Throughout the project, 325 families received support, with home visits starting during pregnancy and continuing until the child turned two years old.
Starting in 2024, these services will be funded by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund in the 11 municipalities that participated in the pilot project. By 2025, family home visiting services will be expanded and made available to families across all Lithuanian municipalities.