Early Childhood

Voluntary, in-home visiting programs for expectant mothers and families create a measurable, positive impact on their lives. These programs enable nurses, social workers, early childhood education specialists and other trained para-professionals to meet with families in their homes and advise them on the health and development their children and connect them to community services and support. We know these programs work. Home visitation services are proven to produce incredible, measurable outcomes for children and families, such as improved health, school readiness, academic achievement, parental involvement and economic self-sufficiency, and reduced child maltreatment, injuries, and juvenile delinquency.

The Affordable Care Act established the first federal funding stream for voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs in 2010. That funding was renewed for two additional years in 2015, and then again for five years in 2018. However, due to limited funding, only a limited number of children and families are able to benefit from these programs.  We support expanding these investments in quality home visits to improve the lives and futures of vulnerable children and families.