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“Helping People Living Better Lives”

| pg. 483 young people for the Nebraska JAG program must have barriers, as defined by the JAG program that makes them more at risk in graduating from high school, pursuing post-secondary education, and/or a successful addition to the labor force. Services are considered non-assistance by the agency. TANF funding method is federal dollars only. Nebraska-Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (N-MIECHV) The Nebraska-Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (N-MIECHV) supports pregnant or parenting families of children from birth to age five who may struggle with significant life stressors, such as poverty, exposure to violence or substance abuse, teen parenting, or military families with one or both parents in service. Services provided will meet TANF Purpose Three: “to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies” and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies. Families must be at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify for the program. The funding method is federal dollars only. The Nebraska Crisis Pregnancy Program The Nebraska Crisis Pregnancy program will initiate new and expanded services to support pregnant women, parents, and other relatives caring for children twelve (12) months old or younger. The program will be offered statewide by utilizing a statewide network of local service providers. Crisis pregnancy support services will include the following: • Activities that promote healthy relationships for two parents and co-parenting families; • Services related to parenting and life skills. The Nebraska Crisis Pregnancy program will provide services to support pregnant women and two- parent families under TANF purpose four, encouraging the formation and maintenance of two- parent families that will support needy and non-needy pregnant women and families. Core Services Provided that Meet TANF Purpose Four: 1. Activities that strengthen families and promote healthy relationships and education for two and co-parenting families: • “Boot camps for New Dads”: This is a course offered by the program that equips men of different economic levels and ages to engage with their infants and support the mother confidently; and, • “Mothers and Babies” is an evidence-based prevention course for pregnant mothers and new parents to help manage stress and prevent postpartum depression. Lessons covered include fostering relationships with the father or partner and promoting healthy communication and social support. 2. Parenting education classes for parents to enhance their parenting skills. “Nurturing Parent” is an evidence-based parent class for pregnant women, mothers, and fathers. The course covers nurturing skills, pro-social behavior, how to create a safe home environment, and prenatal care. 3. Mentoring with parents includes education and counseling to support and maintain families. Topics covered include prenatal care and development, co-parenting, healthy relationships, budgeting for a family, maternity leave, childbirth, newborn care, postpartum depression, sleep strategy, car seat training, home babyproofing, child vaccinations, and daycare.