POLICY BRIEFING: NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP) IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
Preventing Trauma. Strengthening Families. Building a Safer Community. Justice Matters – 2026 Nehemiah Assembly
What we heard:
● Children experiencing hunger, homelessness, and violence
● Families trapped in cycles of poverty and instability
● Trauma showing up earlier and more severely in young lives
Douglas County is at a critical turning point:
● 4,195 children and 24,795 adults have experienced 3+ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
● 64% of single-mother households live below the ALICE threshold
● Many families earn under $30,000/year and face housing and food instability
THE SOLUTION: NURSE-FAMILY PARTNERSHIP (NFP)
An evidence-based program serving low-income mothers from pregnancy until age 2.
Delivered by registered nurses.
Proven over 40+ years.
Results:
● 48% reduction in child abuse and neglect
● 59% reduction in youth arrests
● 72% fewer maternal convictions
● Strong gains in employment and family stability Return on Investment:
● $5.70 returned for every $1 invested
DOUGLAS COUNTY (CHIP ALIGNMENT)
The Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan (2024–2029) prioritizes:
● Birth outcomes
● Behavioral health
● Economic stability
● Housing and food security
NFP directly advances every one of these goals!
WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR
Justice Matters calls on local decision-makers to:
- Establish NFP in Douglas County including a possible partnership with the NFP program in Shawnee County.
- Commitment to startup and sustained funding (Medicaid, KDHE grants, etc)
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Without action:
● Trauma continues across generations
● Public costs rise
● Families remain trapped in instability
With NFP:
→ Stronger families
→ Healthier children
→ Safer, more stable community