Child & Family Services

Maternal Child Health (MCH) Nursing

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services provided under MDH's Family Home Visiting (FHV) program is a voluntary, home-based service ideally delivered prenatally through the early years of a child's life. It provides:

  • Social
  • Emotional
  • Health-related information 
  • Parenting support information to families
  • Connections to appropriate resources

By participating in home visiting, some examples of services a family may receive are: 

  • Connections/referrals for pregnant women to prenatal care
  • Early support to parents in their role as a child's first teacher
  • Help in creating a safe and healthy environment for a young child to thrive in
  • Parenting skills and support that increase learning and development

Minnesota Early Childhood Sustained Home-visiting

MECSH LogoMECSH is a structured program of sustained nurse home visiting for families. The MECSH program is delivered as part of a comprehensive, integrated approach to services for young children and their families. The program is delivered by child and family health nurses who are embedded within universal child and family health nursing services.

To make a referral, complete the Family Health Referral form (PDF).

MDH's Family Home Visiting webpage

Child Passenger Safety (Car Seats)

Morrison County Public Health has specially trained staff (Certified Passenger Safety Technicians) available to check your car seat  and answer questions. 

Technicians check seats for

  • Defects
  • Recalls
  • Assist with correct installation and correct fit

They also answer questions about

  • child car seats
  • booster seats
  • passenger safety

Information printouts are given to parents to reference in the future.

Health Plan members who are pregnant and children under age 8 may be eligible for free car seats and car seat education through their Medical Assistance health plans. Call Morrison County Public Health at 320-632-6664 to speak with the car seat technician for more information or to schedule an appointment.. 

MN Dept Public Safety's Don't Skip A Step brochure

MN Dept Public Safety's Child Passenger Safety webpage

MN Dept Public Safety's Ultimate Car Seat Guide

Follow Along Program (FAP) 

Babies and young children grow and learn at their own rate. Let the Follow Along Program (FAP) help you know if your child is:

  • playing
  • talking 
  • growing
  • moving
  • acting like other children 

Help Me Grow

Enroll

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health.