Home visiting programs are a prevention strategy used to provide vital support to pregnant and new parents as they navigate the challenges of raising babies and young children. Programs vary widely and can serve families from pregnancy through early childhood. 

Participation in these programs is voluntary, and home visiting professionals include nurses, social workers, early childhood educators, and specially trained parents. Visits occur on a regular basis that allows for the formation of trusted relationships, and focus on promoting strong parent-child attachment, linking pregnant women with prenatal care, coaching parents on learning activities that foster their child’s development, and supporting parents’ role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Home visitors also conduct regular screenings to help parents identify possible health and developmental issues, and access community resources as needed. Home visiting supports positive parenting, improves maternal and child health, helps prevent child abuse and neglect, and promotes child development and school readiness.

From Home Visiting Coalition