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

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

There are approximately 260,000 South Carolina families with young children, and nearly 61,000 of these are “highest-priority” families that could benefit from home visiting. Due to limited funding, only 1,300 South Carolina families received MIECHV services. This is equivalent to 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 South Carolina.

South Carolina 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 South Carolina families and the nation.