Nurse-Family Partnership

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Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a voluntary home-visiting program offered by Eastern Zone Public Health. The program pairs a specially trained nurse with a person who is pregnant with their first child and could benefit from additional support. The partnership starts early in the pregnancy and continues until the child’s second birthday. The nurse provides long-term support, guidance and information to help the family succeed. 

This program is currently available in Nova Scotia’s Eastern Zone (Antigonish, Guysborough, Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria counties).

What does this partnership look like?

Nurse-Family Partnership is designed to help improve pregnancy outcomes, help children have positive health and development outcomes, and set families on the best path forward for a healthy and happy life.

To accomplish these goals, the nurse works with the client to identify their personal and parenting goals, to support the development of skills, and to move forward independently when the partnership is over. 

For the client to get the most out of the program, the partnership should begin as early as possible in pregnancy, no later than 28 weeks.

How can I be referred to NFP?

People who are interested in NFP can self-refer to the program using the contact information on this page. A Public Health team member will review their information to see if they are eligible. Referrals can also be made by a primary care provider or a community organization, like a Family Resource Centre. 

Nurse-Family Partnership may not be right for everyone, but other Early Years services are available to meet a variety of needs.

How has NFP helped other families?

Nurse-Family Partnership is available in 8 countries, including Canada. Click here to read stories from other families who have gone through the program.