Baby Steps programme receives £400,000 grant

Tuesday 25 April 2017

Ministers have agreed a grant of more than £400,000 to help future parents.

The Baby Steps is an award-winning programme that delivers support to parents both before and after the birth of their baby.

Speaking about the programme, Deputy Kristina Moore, the Home Affairs Minister, said: “This is a key component of the 1001 Critical Days manifesto as it will enable all parents to access antenatal classes that address the physical and emotional aspects of parenthood, as well as the baby’s well-being and overall development. Pregnancy and the first few months of a baby's life are an extremely important time for families. Research suggests that the parent-child relationship and the capacity to provide love, care and nurture are of major importance to the child's development and wellbeing. Universal ante-natal provision is recognised as a key factor in building resilience in families.”

Baby Steps is a relationship based course designed to help parents to grow in confidence and ability so that they know how to care for their new baby. It also helps improve the parent-child relationship and decrease parental anxiety and depression.

The programme was developed in partnership with Warwick University and launched in 2011. It is currently available in nine locations across the UK while also being run on a small scale by the NSPCC in Jersey. Already, data shows better birth outcomes for those who have attended. 

The funding allocated by the Chief Minister is part of £1.65 million per year allocated in the Medium Term Financial Plan for initiatives that support vulnerable children. The money will be provided over the next two years so that the States and Family Nursing and Home Care can work with the NSPCC to deliver the programme to all expectant parents in Jersey.