Although all home visiting is designed to improve some combination of pregnancy outcomes, parenting skills, and early childhood health and development, universal programs such as MCH Home Visiting are distinct from other longer-term, intensive programs. They are short-term, providing a small number of visits based on need. Universal models have a population-based approach, meaning services are available to everyone regardless of risk, income, or education, and focus on all families having at least one visit.
Longer-term home visiting programs often receive referrals from MCH Home Visitors when a family shows a need for more services. Some examples of leading evidence-based Kansas program models that are more intensive:
- Parents as Teachers (PAT)
- Healthy Families America (HFA)
- Early Head Start (EHS)
- Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
- Infant-Toddler Services, tiny-K in Kansas (for children who qualify for early intervention)
Collaboration is Key
Research tells us that a range of program options can help fit the needs of different families through varied supports across a continuum of services.