August 22, 2013
Why do we care so much about The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program? Because it works.
 
CHICAGO, IL, August 21, 2013 - It was reported today "the Affordable Care Act would force families to receive home visits from government officials to assess at-risk children."

This story is in reference to the portion of the Affordable Care Act known as the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, which is an expansion of existing state-level home visiting programs that are evidence-based, voluntary, led by well-trained home visitors, and which have received bi-partisan support.

In fact, home visiting consistently has enjoyed bi-partisan support because it values families and understands early nurturing relationships are the foundation for life-long healthy development. It is appreciated because home visitors live in the communities in which they work, reflecting local customs and attitudes, and because it works.

Several decades of evaluations conducted by highly-regarded researchers confirm the positive impact of home visitors on child health and development; parenting practices; promoting self-sufficiency, while reducing dependence on social services; and raising children who are ready to learn. But don't just take our word for it.

Economists, academics, corporate executives, Federal Reserve analysts, military brass, and the business community agree that the return on investment from early education is so compelling that we simply cannot ignore it. And we agree with them.

"With the ongoing intensive competition that exists in a global economy, our businesses require and deserve an educated and well-prepared workforce here at home." said James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America, "We believe that home visiting is an investment our nation must make to achieve the outcomes we all want. We all have an obligation to learn the facts so local and national policymakers can support a parent's ability to develop a life-long relationship with their child, promote healthier communities and make us more competitive in the global economy. You can learn more by visiting our websites at preventchildabuse.org and healthyfamiliesamerica.org or by talking to a family who participated in these valuable services...chances are, you know someone who has."

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972 in Chicago, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide. The organization promotes that vision through a network of chapters in 50 states and 590 Healthy Families America, home visitation sites in 40 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Canada. A major organizational focus is to advocate for the existence of a national policy framework and strategy for children and families while promoting evidence-based practices that prevent abuse and neglect from ever occurring. 
Brought to you by the Prevent Child Abuse New Hampshire's branch:
New Hampshire Children's Trust, Inc.

The New Hampshire Children's Trust advances its mission of leading NH's drive to eliminate child abuse by promoting universal prevention programs with the general population, and secondary prevention strategies targeted to individuals or families where there is a higher risk of maltreatment.  Programs are focused on young children and families, collaborative in nature and likely to have a lasting impact in the elimination of child abuse and neglect.

 

The Children's Trust plays a key role in providing training, technical assistance, resources, evaluation and accreditation support to direct service programs.  The Children's Trust strives to improve systems and public policies to support healthy outcomes for children.   Finally, the Children's Trust works to engage the general public, community, business, religious and parent leaders in taking actions to eliminate child abuse and neglect in New Hampshire.

 

These practical, cost-effective approaches protect the welfare of our greatest resource - our children.  Child abuse and neglect can and must be prevented.