New Parent Support Program

The New Parent Support Program is a team made up of nurses, social workers and home visitation specialists who offer support and guidance by helping parents:

• Build strong, healthy bonds with their infants and toddlers that will lay the foundation for their social and emotional development
• Manage the demands of parenting, especially when impacted by deployments and other military operations
• Remain flexible and responsive when navigating daily life
• Build a strong support network
• Respond to infant and toddler behavior sensitively and be attuned to their developmental needs
• Find services in the local community in time of need

Learn more about the New Parent Support Program and contact your installation New Parent Support Program office to find out what’s available at your installation.

New Parent Support Program staff are child development professionals, including registered nurses, clinical social workers, and para-professionals trained in the delivery and practice of established home visiting models. The program is supervised and monitored at the installation level by the Family Advocacy program manager.

The program is available to military families who are expecting a baby or have children age 3 or younger. Marine Corps eligibility includes families with at least one child under 5.

Contact your installation New Parent Support Program office or Family Advocacy Program office.

The New Parent Support Program is located in the Fleet and Family Support Center at 245 Moreell Avenue, Facility 30 Gulfport, MS 39501. The telephone number is 228-871-3000 or 1-800-342-3525. The DSN number is 312-868-3000.

The New Parent Support Program is a voluntary program and you may self-refer or your medical provider may suggest the service. Each family is screened to determine the level of assistance needed.  Any pregnant mother or any family with a child under three years old is qualified to use this service which includes visits to the home, teaching skills to enhance parenting, and to present appropriate behavior knowledge to the parents. Once the services are in the home, older children can also participate.

This program is especially helpful to single parents and spouses of deployed military members. It offers solutions and suggestions for dealing with stress, isolation, depression, reunions and the everyday demands of life.

The provider offers individual training, a class called Baby Boot Camp that assist new parents in knowing how to care for their child and an opportunity to ask all those questions that go with being a first-time parent. The New Parent Support provider makes referrals to Navy Relief and to classes at other installations that will help the family. The provider can also tell you basic information about the Child Home Care facility on Base. 

Budgeting for Baby

The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society also offers a monthly class to prepare families for the additional financial expenses expected with the arrival of a new baby.  In addition to the financial education, the family receives a Junior Seabag packed full of baby needs. To obtain information about this class or to register, contact NMCRS at 228-871-2610.