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

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

There are approximately 355,000 Louisiana families with young children, and nearly 71,500 of these are “highest-priority” families that could benefit from home visiting. Due to limited funding, only 2,200 Louisiana families received MIECHV services. This is equivalent to only about three 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 Louisiana.

Louisiana 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 Louisiana families and the nation.