SAFE is a Philadelphia Department of Public Health home-visiting program that promotes healthy growth, and development, among birth-to-five year-old children who are already considered “at-risk” for poor health outcomes. Working with their parents, SAFE boosts the growth and learning curve of vulnerable babies and toddlers, by giving advice and support, and by ensuring families make critical connections with community and health resources.

FSS believes that the first few years of a child’s life can have a big impact on future school performance and overall health. The SAFE program benefits a lot of families who seek or need health support and parenting education at a critical time in their child’s life.  By supporting these children today, we can ensure that they have better tomorrows.

SAFE was introduced in 2004 and Family Support Services is one of just five Philadelphia agencies selected to provide services. Family Support Services’ SAFE staff serve families living in Southwest Philadelphia. Agencies providing SAFE in other parts of Philadelphia are Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Germantown Settlement, Resources for Children’s Health, and Youth Service, Inc.

Funding for SAFE is provided through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Maternal, Child and Family Health. To obtain more information about this program you may contact Family Support Services directly at childwelfare@FSSinc.org or access the link listed below.

Link - Go to the Dept. of Health home page http://www.phila.gov/health click on “Maternal & Child,” listed alphabetically in the left navigation. From the Maternal & Child homepage, select “Resource guide for program partners.” SAFE is described on page 12.