(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-18 09:12

LONDON - Britain launched on Monday a new updated Child Health Promotion Program (CHPP) intended to provide services tailored to the individual needs of children and families, acting as a best practice guide for health and social services.

At the launching, Health Minister Anne Keen, with Children's Minister Beverley Hughes, highlighted the importance of child health for all children and families.

Hughes announced that the Family Nurse Partnership scheme, a core part of the CHPP, was expanded with 20 new sites to test the scheme which was piloted in October 2007 at 10 sites.

Hughes announced the funding of 30 million pounds (60 million US dollars) for the next three years to support the program.

Anne Keen said "The CHPP should be a universal service for all children and families and must be taken seriously."

Hughes said "The CHPP is aimed at preventing health risks such as obesity, smoking, as well as promoting breastfeeding, and supporting parents to help children in those crucial early years."

The partnership scheme is a model of intensive nurse-led home visiting for vulnerable first time young parents which involves family nurses visiting young, disadvantaged young parents from early pregnancy until the child is two years old.

Under the scheme, nurses build close, supportive relationships with families and guide inexperienced teenagers to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve their parenting skills, and become self-sufficient.