Healthy Families Polk Earns National Accreditation for Home Visiting Program
Healthy Families Polk, the county’s free home visiting program for new and expecting parents, has earned accreditation from Healthy Families America. The accreditation runs through June 2031.
Polk County Government announced the accreditation, which runs through June 2031, on Oct. 5. Healthy Families America confirmed that the Polk program follows the national model and meets its best practice standards.
“Healthy Families is a family-strengthening program designed to reduce incidents of child abuse and neglect,” Polk County Health and Human Services Director Marcia Andresen said. She added, “I’m proud of the success Healthy Families Polk has had over the past 33 years.”
What the Accreditation Reviewed
The review covered the program’s services, policies, documentation, supervision, and management. It included an on-site visit by Healthy Families America peer reviewers. The county said the program met all of the required essential standards.
Staff across the program contributed through direct services, case records, policy review, quality assurance, supervision, data monitoring and training.
Rebekkah Sheetz, executive director of Healthy Families Florida, congratulated the Polk program on what she called a major milestone.
“Polk staff impressed us every step of the process and consistently met the expectations of the model,” Sheetz said. She spoke for Healthy Families Florida and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida.
Home Visits for Healthy Families
In the 2025-26 fiscal year, Healthy Families Polk served 428 families and 824 children, according to the county.
Family support staff completed 6,260 home visits and made 720 referrals to community resources that year. County program data show that 100% of the children served had no verified maltreatment during the fiscal year.
Who Qualifies, and for How Long
Healthy Families Manager Shaneal Allen said the program serves expectant parents and families with newborns who live in Polk County. Eligibility depends on whether a family faces circumstances that suggest home visiting would help. Families can enroll before the baby arrives or after as long as the baby is under 3 months old.
There is no income threshold. Allen said the program weighs a family’s circumstances rather than household income. It is free and voluntary to participate.
An enrolled family can keep receiving home visits until the child turns 5. How long a family actually stays depends on its needs and progress, Allen said. The program has no waitlist. Eligible families who accept services are assigned as capacity allows.
How Families Access Services
Families do not need a referral to get started. Allen said they can refer themselves by contacting Healthy Families Polk directly. Referrals also come through the Healthy Families Florida Central Intake and Referral system and from health care providers, hospitals, and community partners.
The program works out of the county’s Health and Human Services offices in Bartow or Lake Alfred.
More information on Healthy Families Polk can be found at polkfl.gov/services/healthy-
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Healthy Families Polk?
Healthy Families Manager Shaneal Allen said the program serves expectant parents and families with newborns who live in Polk County and are facing circumstances that suggest they would benefit from home visiting. Families can enroll prenatally or while the baby is younger than 3 months.
Is there an income limit for Healthy Families Polk?
No. Allen said there is no income threshold. The program weighs a family’s circumstances rather than household income, and it is free and voluntary.
Can a family sign up for Healthy Families Polk on their own?
Yes. Allen said families may refer themselves by contacting Healthy Families Polk at 863-534-5257 or 800-780-5346 toll-free. Referrals also come through the Healthy Families Florida Central Intake and Referral system and from health care providers, hospitals, and community partners.
How long can a family stay in Healthy Families Polk?
Until the enrolled child turns 5. Allen said how long a family stays depends on its needs and progress.
Is there a waitlist for Healthy Families Polk?
Allen said the program has no waitlist. Eligible families who accept services are assigned as capacity allows.
Sources: “Healthy Families Polk Earns National Accreditation for Home Visiting Services,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, October 5, 2026; “Healthy Families,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, undated; Shaneal Allen, Healthy Families Manager, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, email interview with The Citrus Tea News, October 6, 2026.
