Strengthening Investments in Voluntary Home Visiting Can Help Improve Public Safety and Build the Future Workforce in Pennsylvania, and Bolster National Security

Voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs can play a significant role in improving outcomes for Pennsylvania parents and children, as well as in building the future workforce, preventing crime, and bolstering national security.

There are approximately 644,000 Pennsylvania families with young children, and nearly 122,000 of these are “highest-priority” families that could benefit from home visiting. Due to limited funding, only 2,900 Pennsylvania families received MIECHV services. This is equivalent to only about two percent of the highest-priority families. Instability in the home visiting workforce—due to poor compensation—is another substantial barrier that can limit reach in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania members of Congress must prioritize and strengthen MIECHV. Without a renewed commitment that includes increased funding, virtual delivery, and improvements in workforce compensation, we run the risk of reversing gains and suspending future advancement, to the detriment of vulnerable Pennsylvania families and the nation.