Diocese of Amarillo Prison Ministry

Baby Steps

• Baby Steps is a unique program that works with parents/caretakers to strengthen their connection with their child. In order to participate, the parent must be pregnant and or be the parents/caretakers of a 0-3 year-old. However, there are no restrictions on parents/caretakers to participate in the program except they must be low-income. Potential parents/caretakers are assessed for their eligibility and appropriateness to participate in the program. Because Baby Steps is funded by the Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Council and the Bella Vista Foundation, there are NO fees for parents and or caretakers to participate in Baby Steps. Baby Steps staff works to concentrate on early attachment and those elements of early childhood that can be of concern to new mothers such as maternal depression, anxiety and high levels of stress. The inclusion of a parent/caregiver child group is also included as it works to build a natural community of support for caregivers and to break the isolation and stigma they may be experiencing. Baby Steps staff provide parents and or caretakers in-home child attachment and parenting support to pregnant women and infants. Team members provide parent/caregiver child group to build natural community of support for caregivers, to break the isolation, stigma and generational abuse. There are three core services offered by the program: Home Visitation, Case Management, and “Just Us” parent/caretaker-child attachment group. Baby Steps is part of a dynamic and energetic agency with several other programs that Baby Steps participants may benefit from such as mental health, employment and Immigration Legal Services. The Baby Steps program does not provide family, group or individual therapy. A Baby Steps team member will work with parents and or caretakers to locate appropriate internal or external providers for parents/caregivers interested in therapy.
• 2625 Zanker Rd