• A baby may be born with Down's Syndrome, or have a congenital heart defect.
• A six week old may not be turning its head toward noises.
• A toddler may be a late talker.
• A new mom may be depressed.
• There may be domestic violence.

Under the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program, any one of these problems would set in motion a network of community resources to help.

The first step -- early identification of the problem -- can happen during pregnancy, at birth, or afterwards.

Once identified, children and families are referred to appropriate support services in the community through the local public health unit.

• Screening and assessment during pregnancy ensure help is provided early.
• Newborns are screened in hospitals.
• New mothers are called after hospital discharge and offered a home visit.
• The program includes children up to the age of six.
• It acknowledges that children can become "at risk" at any time because of changes in family circumstances, or problems at new stages of development.
• Coordinated, efficient, family-focused services link health, social services and education systems under the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program.

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