Definition for Home Visiting Programs for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect:
Home Visiting Programs for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect are defined by the CEBC as any home visiting program with a goal of preventing abuse or neglect or intervening with families at high risk of abuse and neglect. Home visiting is a mechanism to provide direct support and coordination of services for families which involves direct services to the family in the home setting. While services can also be received elsewhere, the home is the primary service delivery setting. Programs vary, but components may include 1) education in effective parenting and childcare techniques; 2) education on child development, health, safety, and nutrition; 3) assistance in gaining access to social support networks; and 4) assistance in obtaining education, employment, and access to community services.
Target population: Parents and their children; services can begin prior to birth while the mother is pregnant
Services/types that fit: Home-based services with an individual or family focus that include assessment, case planning, case management, education, and/or skill building
Delivered by: Child welfare staff, nurse, or trained paraprofessional
In order to be included: Home visiting program must specifically target the prevention of child abuse and/or neglect as a goal
In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by Scientific Rating Scale) that examines outcomes directly related to the prevention of child abuse and/or neglect, such as administrative data on child welfare reports or re-reports or self-report of abuse or neglect behaviors through a standardized measure
Families with limited income, raising children birth to age six with multiple stressors
Why was this topic chosen by the Advisory Committee?
The Home Visiting Programs for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect topic area is relevant to child welfare because home visiting programs are commonly used by child welfare agencies as early intervention strategies to reach at-risk families with children from birth to age five. Many county child welfare agencies in California have developed home visiting programs in partnership with their public health agencies with support from their First Five Commissions. These programs provide targeted services and support, with the hopes that they will prevent child neglect and abuse.
