First Steps Program Evaluation

First Steps is a volunteer-based, universal primary prevention program offered to all families giving birth at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). The fundamental components of the program include an on-site visit and follow-up support calls, as well as home visits. The program’s goals include prevention of child abuse and neglect, improvement of child health and development, and promotion of positive parent/child interactions.

Since 2003, the evaluation concentrates on how the program reaches its objectives, which include:

- engaging parents
- providing support to parents throughout the program
- offering home visits that provide parents with child development materials and activities
- encouraging positive interactions between caregiver and child

YRMC’s First Steps Website: http://www.yrmc.org/departments/frc/frc.aspx