5.16.2000 ET

(CSRwire) The Freddie Mac Foundation has made a three-year, $300,000 grant to the National Association of Counties Research Foundation (NACoRF) to help promote and replicate Healthy Families America (HFA) programs, a family support program of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) proven to virtually eliminate child abuse and neglect.

“We look forward to helping NACoRF assist communities in reaching out to parents early in the lives of their babies through comprehensive programs such as Healthy Families America. Together, we have an opportunity to make a significant improvement in the overall quality of life for children and their families,” explained Maxine B. Baker, president and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation.

In partnership with Prevent Child Abuse America, NACoRF will help increase policymakers’ awareness of the benefits of effective family programs, such as Healthy Families America, and will assist in replicating HFA programs in counties across the country. NACoRF, the research arm of the National Association of Counties (NACo), provides critical research and program support to county elected and appointed officials throughout the nation. County officials have the capacity to direct funding streams to HFA programs, helping to sustain, expand and institutionalize sites.

“This grant will help us to expand services to all families who stand to benefit,” said Sandy Markwood, executive director, NACoRF. “Child abuse and neglect result in serious and costly problems such as homelessness, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, low academic achievement, and mental health problems. County officials see the challenges posed by these problems each day and are working to meet the needs of children and families affected by abuse and neglect.”

“An estimated three million children in this country are reported abused or neglected each year as a consequence of economic and societal stresses facing American families,” explained Barbara Rawn, executive director, PCAA. “Our HFA program gives families the parental experience and skills in child care and development that is needed to get them through the difficulties that they face on a daily basis and help make their families stronger and healthier.”

The Freddie Mac Foundation is dedicated to brightening the future for children, youth, and families at risk and will grant $20 million this year to organizations working to prevent child abuse and neglect, find homes for foster children, and strengthen early childhood education opportunities. This grant supports the Foundation’s objective of preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting strong families.

Healthy Families America is a signature program of the Freddie Mac Foundation. Investing $4.5 million, the Foundation has helped start 10 sites in the Washington, DC region. In total, the Foundation has invested more than $10 million on the local, state and national levels.

Started in 1992 by Prevent Child Abuse America, the HFA model features weekly home visits by trained professionals to first-time parents for the first five years. These professionals work with families to build parenting skills, ensure that children receive preventative health care, and develop realistic expectations regarding child development.

Expected outcomes from this grant will be the development or expansion of HFA initiatives in at least 200 counties. Another outcome will be at least 10 state associations of counties will partner with the state HFA and PCAA chapters in developing state strategies to promote HFA or other initiatives focusing on strong families and child abuse prevention. And, at least 1,000 county officials will be trained and receive materials promoting the benefits of HFA for families and children.

Created by Freddie Mac in 1990 under the leadership of Chairman Leland C. Brendsel, the Freddie Mac Foundation is dedicated to brightening the future for children, youth, and families at risk. As the largest corporate funder in the Washington ,DC metropolitan area, Freddie Mac and the Freddie Mac Foundation have invested nearly $80 million in nonprofit organizations serving children and families.

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