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Home Visitation Programs

Home visitation programs offer a variety of family-focused services to pregnant mothers and families with new babies and young children. They address issues such as maternal and child health, positive parenting practices, safe home environments, and access to services. Use the following resources to learn more about selected home visitation programs and evaluation efforts:

• Healthy Families
• Healthy Start
• Nurse-Family Partnership
• Parents as Teachers
• SafeCare
• Evaluating home visitation programs
• Related resources

Supporting Evidence-Based Home Visiting FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Describes the efforts of 17 federally funded grantees implementing evidence-based home visiting programs in their communities. The website includes information on home visiting models, cross-site evaluation results, and more. Home Visitation for Families With Young Children (PDF - 541 KB) Stoltzfus & Lynch (2009) Describes selected home visitation models being implemented by the States, synthesizes evaluation results, and reviews recent proposals to support home visiting at the Federal level. Programs That Work: Home Visiting Promising Practices Network Links to proven and promising home visitation programs, including a program overview, implementation, evaluation, and funding information, sample sites, contact information, resources, and more.

Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
Describes a 2-year home-based educational enrichment program that builds on the natural bond between a parent and child. The home visitation model helps parents with limited formal education prepare their preschool-aged children for successful, early school experiences and strengthens the bond among schools, families, and communities.

The Nurturing Parenting Programs
Presents a family-based program that involves both parents and children in activities, focusing on building a positive regard for self and others. Several programs focus on specific age groups and racial populations.

The Parent-Child Home Program
Details a 2-year home-based program for parents and their 2- and 3-year-old children who are challenged by obstacles to educational success, including poverty, low levels of education, and language difficulties. Offers research and publications, a newsletter, information on how to start a site, and other ways to get involved.

State-Based Home Visiting: Strengthening Programs Through State Leadership
Johnson (2009)
Examines whether States are investing in home visiting in ways that promote better outcomes for young children and whether they meet the needs of children facing the greatest social and developmental risks. Also see the webinar.

Steps Toward Effective, Enjoyable Parenting
Describes a home visiting program that focuses on secure parent-child attachments and parents' knowledge of child development. The website includes information on a facilitator's manual and training opportunities.

Updated on February 2, 2010