Fostering Success though Evidence-Based Home Visiting Programs

Expectant parents and parents of young children a child presents new opportunities and challenges for families. These challenges are often exacerbated for families who face difficult circumstances such as poverty, unemployment, or single parenthood and those who have few positive parenting role models to look to for guidance. These families can benefit from the individualized care that evidence-based home visiting programs provide.

The benefits of home visiting programs are well-researched, with evidence demonstrating that investing in these programs yields positive results for children, families, and our nation at large. These programs strengthen the economy by fostering families’ economic independence and promoting school readiness and academic achievement. They may also improve public safety by helping to prevent child maltreatment and reduce substance misuse. Further, home visiting programs have implications for national security, through their impact on obesity and mental health, two of the major medical disqualifiers for military service. When parents take advantage of the resources available through voluntary home visiting, entire communities can benefit.