Preventing Crime Through Voluntary Home Visiting

Giving birth to and raising a young child presents an exciting opportunity for families; yet, for some, child-bearing can be a quite difficult challenge.

Too many families are left feeling like they have nowhere to turn for guidance or support – particularly for families battling poverty, unemployment, or single parenthood. Thankfully, evidence-based home visiting programs offer a solution for both these families and — perhaps most importantly — the children being raised in their homes.

Home visiting programs start as early as pregnancy and extend into the first few years of a child’s life. These visits equip parents with the tools and skills they need to stimulate and nurture their child’s development and avoid harmful parenting practices that can result in abuse and neglect. The benefits of these programs are many: improvements in public safety, reduced criminal involvement, increased academic achievement, and reduction of substance abuse long-term. Home visiting programs can also strengthen the economy by fostering families’ economic independence and helping children become productive adults.