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

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

There are approximately 177,000 Iowa families with young children, and nearly 30,000 of these are “highest-priority” families that could benefit from home visiting. Due to limited funding, only 1,000 Iowa 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 Iowa.

Iowa 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 Iowa families and the nation.