Reston Interfaith participates in the nationally-accredited Healthy Families program, designed to promote positive childhood outcomes and minimize the risk of child abuse or neglect. Each year, our dedicated team of family support workers provides home-based support and education to approximately 600 first-time families of children up to five years old. Moms and dads learn about child health and nutrition, stress management and parenting skills. During our 2009 fiscal year, developmental delay screening was conducted with 98% of enrolled children, and when any child showed signs of delay, there was a referral rate of 100% to specialists and a 100% level of follow-through by parents and case managers. 
 
Kayla's story is one example of how Healthy Families makes a positive difference to parents and children in our community. Kayla is a 14-month old who was born with spina bifida. Her mother and father were referred to Healthy Families through the Fairfax County Health Department because they received a "high risk" score when screened for potential parenting challenges. Carmen, the family's support worker, began working closely with the parents to monitor Kayla's progress. She kept the mother and father connected to important medical resources, encouraged screenings and taught them appropriate activities to advance Kayla's development. The parents ultimately opted for their daughter to undergo surgery with the hope of improving her physical condition. Kayla has made an incredible recovery, and just began walking a few weeks ago. By participating in Healthy Families Fairfax, this family received ongoing support and critical resources that helped them achieve a wonderful outcome for their daughter.