New parent support program invests in future Published May 6, 2010 By Paula Tracy Family advocacy program manager KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The New Parent Support Program is hard to assess in terms of its value. Prevention programs are tough to measure, but when the family advocacy nurse leaves the home of a new family that has been linked up with the resources and support they need, she can feel confident that they're on their way to successful parenting. NPSP is a voluntary free program that offers support and information to women and couples to enhance healthy parenting and family wellness. It's designed for expectant active-duty members or families with children under age 3. Active-duty parenting is challenging. Add to the mix other factors like single parenting, a special needs baby or multiple births and stress or confusion multiples. Family advocacy's master's level nurse and social worker are available to provide education, support, referrals to base or community resources from a personalized perspective. Because it's voluntary, you can discontinue the program when you like, and no FAP "note" is placed in your outpatient medical record. The nurse makes house calls so you don't have to bring your newborn into the office. For more information on the NPSP, call Donna Gibson, 376-3457.