Benefits of Home Visitation November 2015 Central Racine County Health Department

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School-readiness Children are better prepared for school. HV programs promote positive parenting practices that help parents better prepare their children for school. HV programs also demonstrate long-term, positive impacts on children's academic achievement. Parents are more likely to encourage age appropriate toys and books.

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Help mom and baby toward a healthy and happy life Prenatally and postpartum, HV programs promote maternal and infant health by helping mother’s schedule MD visits, improve diets, reduce stress, and quit smoking or substance abuse. (Parallel process) One study found that babies born to mothers in HV programs were half as likely to be born low-birth weight, reducing their health risk and future developmental delays.

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Support mom’s emotional health and stress management Moms who participate in HV programs have lower stress levels and increased sensitivity during interactions with their children. Families and home visitors build strong relationships that lead to lasting benefits for the whole family. (Parallel process)

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Parent and infant relationship development Mothers in HV programs are more likely to provide cognitively stimulating home environments for their children. HV programs help provide safe and supportive home environments for children.

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Support families with the transition into parenting Mothers in HV programs have lower rates of stress. HV programs are associated with reduced rates of child maltreatment and injuries.

Resources “The Top 5 Benefits of Home visiting programs.” Child & Family Research Partnership (2015) http://childandfamilyresearch.org/publications/top5benefits -of-home-visiting/.