[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E700-E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE FAIRFAX COUNTY HEALTHY FAMILIES PROGRAM AS A RECIPIENT OF 
                 THE 2003 COUNTIES CARE FOR KIDS AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Fairfax County's Healthy Families program on their recognition by the 
National Association of Counties as a 2003 Counties Care for Kids Award 
recipient.
  Healthy Families Fairfax was launched in 1992 under the parent 
organization Healthy Families America, and has now been working to 
improve childcare in Fairfax for over a decade. This Counties Care for 
Kids Award recognizes the program as an innovative and model county 
government effort that has demonstrated measurable outcomes for 
children and their families. Healthy Families Fairfax works directly 
with first-time parents to promote child health. A public-health nurse 
and family support worker provide educational and therapeutic support 
to the family at home, from prenatal through age four of the child.
  Studies have shown the immense impact of early childhood care on 
child development, but unfortunately many children are neglected and 
even abused during their pivotal formative years. By assisting parents 
with parenting, health, nutrition, problem-solving, and stress 
management, Healthy Families Fairfax gives children and families the 
opportunity to grow up together in a healthy environment. While similar 
programs do exist, most do not approach the comprehensive approach of 
Healthy Families Fairfax, whose support teams not only address 
parenting issues, but also assist families with family problems not 
directly related to the new baby. This inclusive method affords homes a 
viable chance to succeed in raising their baby and building a life 
together.
  This worthy project is a voluntary prevention program of the 
Department of Family Services, in partnership with the Fairfax County 
Department of Health, Northern Virginia Family Service, UCM Community 
Solutions, and Reston Interfaith. Only eight programs nationwide have 
been chosen as 2003 Counties

[[Page E701]]

Care for Kids Award recipients, and Healthy Families Fairfax certainly 
exemplifies the positive impact that county-wide programs hope to 
achieve.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, it is an honor to extend my warm 
congratulations to Healthy Families Fairfax for all of their 
achievements. The recognition by the National Association of Counties 
is well deserved. I call upon my colleagues to join me in wishing the 
Healthy Families Fairfax future success.

                          ____________________