Project CHILD (Community Health, Intervention, Linkage and Development) has been helping Hennepin County residents make a healthier start with their babies since 1990. We asked Hennepin County behavioral health manager, Alexandra (Ali) Kraak to share more about the program.

Can you tell us a bit about Project CHILD?

Project CHILD is a voluntary, multidisciplinary case management service for Hennepin County residents 16 years or older who are pregnant, living with a substance use disorder, and wanting to improve their quality of life.

An intake specialist, case managers, a nurse, and a peer recovery support specialist comprise the team which provides wraparound support. We also offer weekly peer led-recovery groups on Tuesdays in our peer space at 1800 Chicago Ave. in Minneapolis.

Our goal is to support healthy pregnancies by providing individualized harm reduction and trauma-informed services.

How did it start / how long has it been helping mothers?

34 wonderful years! In 1990, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) put out a request for proposals (RFP) centered around programs focused on family preservation where parental substance use was present. Project CHILD and Mothers First, a similar Ramsey County program, launched and both continue to provide services today.

One thing that’s remained constant is our recognition that while recovery looks different for everyone, everyone deserves recovery support anchored in hope, connection, acceptance, and nonjudgement.

What can a participant expect to receive when they enter the program?

Each participant decides what supports and services they want to receive. There are no specific requirements to complete the program.

Project CHILD offers:

• Substance use assessments, treatment services, case management and counseling for up to six months after delivery
• Prenatal care referrals; health assessments and individualized care planning with a nurse
• Help with basic needs, including transportation, housing, and baby supplies
• Peer recovery support specialist services – people with lived experience in substance use and recovery
• Prenatal and postnatal support groups – learn about parenting and baby’s development while building community with other parents. We offer support for all caregivers.

While all participants have access to the same supports, each participant sets their own pace for how often they meet with the Project CHILD team and what resources or referrals they wish to move forward with. There is a strong emphasis on individualized goals and plans centered around the birthing parent’s specific needs and values in their recovery. This allows us to be culturally responsive and effective!

While the peer group is optional, it is a well-attended group because the rapport and community Project CHILD participants have created with one another is so powerful in recovery.

“I really feel like I’m coming just to hang with a bunch of my friends with my baby,” said one participant of the weekly groups. “It helps to come here and have other moms who can relate. We can trade off information or lift each other up.”

Do you have any success stories that you can share with us of participants going through Project CHILD?

It helps to come here and have other moms who can relate. We can trade off information or lift each other up.Tara had her first run-in with Child Protective Services (CPS) in 2010. Her two oldest children were taken away because of concerns around her ex-husband, and Tara began to use substances to cope with the loss. It kicked off a painful cycle that ultimately resulted in Tara losing custody of nine children.

After many years, it was time for the cycle to end. Tara committed a year of her life to a treatment program and found success! She has been sober for nearly two years. But her history has stayed with her. When Tara found herself pregnant with her current significant other, she knew CPS would be involved. She was referred to Project CHILD for support.

Thanks to her involvement in the program and ongoing sobriety, the judge dismissed the case before it even began. Now that Tara has full custody of her daughter, she’s planning to go to school for psychology and getting involved in social work to support women like her.

What types of support will a program recipient receive after going through Project CHILD?

Project CHILD and the participant work together to determine when Project CHILD will close to our services. Because our work with the parent is centered around recovery, participants are often well-connected with the services and supports they need to maintain recovery and wellness without intensive case management.

Project CHILD alumni are always welcome to continue attending the Project CHILD peer groups. Alumni participation is a powerful influence and encouragement for others who may be earlier on in their recovery efforts.

Does Project CHILD offer childcare support, if a participant is in treatment?

Project CHILD helps birthing parents get connected with resources and supports to achieve their goals. That would include planning for childcare when needed, safe and sober caregiver planning, or finding treatment where their children can attend with them.

How can someone reach out to Project CHILD for help?

There are several options to get connected with services. Folks can call (612) 879-3609, email us at projectchild@hennepin.us, submit a referral at www.hennepin.us/projectchild, or come into 1800 Chicago Ave. in Minneapolis, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Special thanks to Lauren Kewley and Alexandra Kraak for helping to facilitate this Q & A.

Last Updated on November 10, 2024