Home Visiting Program

 

toddler holding parents hands

 

What is Home Visiting?

During a woman’s pregnancy or during the first years of a child’s life, many parents face obstacles such as poverty, domestic violence, and social isolation. They might feel confused, alone, stressed, or overwhelmed by the presence of a young child and may struggle to meet the needs of their children.
 

Evidence-Based Home Visiting (EBHV) programs are an effective early-intervention strategy to improve the health and well-being of children and parents. Home visiting is a strengths-based, family-centered support strategy that gives pregnant women and at-risk families with children from birth until kindergarten entry the resources and skills they need to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn.
 
Specific goals of home visiting are to (1) increase healthy pregnancies; (2) improve parenting confidence and competence; (3) improve child health, development, and readiness; and (4) increase family connectedness to community and social support.

The EBHV program models represented by the Georgia Home Visiting Program are listed below.  These models are proven to improve outcomes in several domains including (1) maternal and child health, (2) positive parenting practices, (3) child development and school readiness, (4) reductions in child maltreatment, (5) family economic self-sufficiency and (7) linkages and referrals to community resources and supports.  Click the icons to learn more about these models.

What are the Georgia Home Visiting Program eligibility requirements?

The Georgia Home Visiting Program (GVHP) is designed to provide assistance to new parents who need consistent, ongoing support during the first years of their child’s life. The early years of parenting are very demanding and there are many conditions that can make it even more difficult to ensure the safety and well-being of an infant and young child.  

  • These conditions typically include one or more of the following situations for parents or primary caregivers:
    • Low income
    • First-time parent
    • Under 21 years of age
    • Unemployed
    • Unstable housing
    • Low educational attainment
    • Late or no prenatal care
    • Survivor of child abuse or neglect
    • History/current substance abuse
    • History/current special education services
    • History/current depression or other mental health conditions
    • Has children with developmental delays or disabilities
    • Families that include individuals who are serving or formerly serving in the US military

In order to determine whether a family would benefit from home visiting, the Georgia Home Visiting program implements a service called First Steps Georgia where a professional conducts a screening with a caregiver in order to determine the resources they may need to create the best environment for their family. Referrals based on this screening may include various community resources (e.g., child care options, housing supports, health care assistance, pediatrician suggestions).  When more ongoing support is needed, a referral to a home visiting program may be made.

How can I find a Home Visiting program in my community?

Find your local coordinator on the Service Locator to find Home Visiting and other maternal and child health programs in your community.

Women and Children Service Finder

Use this tool to find your local health department.

Locate Services

 

Learn More About the Georgia Home Visiting Program!

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the Georgia Home Visiting Program, call our toll-free number at 1-855-707-8277 and a service professional would be happy to speak with you. If you don't speak English, our toll-free number 1-855-707-8277 will connect you with an interpreter who can help you.

No hablan inglés? Llame a nuestro número de teléfono gratuito 1-855-707-8277 y hable con uno de nuestros traductores.

 

 

Home Visiting COVID-19 Update

Since being presented with the COVID-19 public health crisis The Georgia Home Visiting Program has initiated the use of telephonic and/or interactive video conferencing (IVC) technology necessary to continue service to families with minimal disruption.  During this time, the GHVP will continue to provide services to current families and enroll new families that need support. Please contact your local home visiting program for more details and enrollment.

Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being

 

 

page last updated: 12/6/22