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

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

Of approximately 100,000 Idaho families with young children, there are over 30,000 highest-priority families who could benefit from home visiting. However, due to limited federal funds, only 537 Idaho families (equivalent to about four percent of the highest priority families) received services from the MIECHV program in FY 2020. Instability in the home visiting workforce—due to poor compensation—is another substantial barrier that can limit reach in Idaho.

Idaho 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 Idaho families and the nation.