By Dominique Johnson, Policy Associate
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Attending the National Home Visiting Summit by Start Early in Washington, D.C. was an exciting opportunity, though I wasn’t sure what to expect. As someone deeply involved in advocating for home visiting programs but not directly providing services, I wondered how much of the discussion would apply to my work from a policy and advocacy standpoint. However, I quickly realized that the summit was exactly where I needed to be.
The summit not only deepened my understanding of the many benefits home visiting provides for children and families, but also shed light on the challenges these programs face. I had the opportunity to learn from other states about strategies to strengthen Ohio’s home visiting programs, ensuring they serve families as effectively as possible.
Centering Families in Home Visiting Programs
One of my biggest takeaways from the summit was the need to center families when developing and expanding home visiting programs. Families are the experts in their own lived experiences, and policies should reflect that reality. Programs must be built in collaboration with the families they serve, ensuring they meet real needs and foster genuine engagement.
A powerful example of this came from a panel featuring representatives from BECC (Black Early Childhood Collaborative), who brought a parent ambassador to speak about her experiences. She shared how her personal journey helped shape programs in a way that truly resonates with families. Hearing from someone who had once been in their position made other parents feel more comfortable opening up, fostering trust and connection.
Another critical point was the importance of including fathers in home visiting programs. Too often, fatherhood is overlooked in maternal and child health initiatives, despite the vital role fathers play in family well-being. Fathers are protectors, providers, and partners in raising children. Excluding them from programs—especially those focused on safe sleep practices, infant care, and parenting skills—can create challenges when parents have differing views or when one parent isn’t present. Strengthening family-centered approaches that actively engage both parents is essential.
Collaboration: The Backbone of Home Visiting Success
Another key theme echoed throughout the summit was the importance of collaboration. Home visiting is most effective when it is deeply connected to a strong referral system. To support families holistically, we need seamless partnerships between programs like:
Nurse-Family Partnership, which ensures expectant mothers receive the care they need for healthy, full-term pregnancies.
Medicaid programs, which provide crucial funding for mothers who cannot afford insurance.
Parents as Teachers and Help Me Grow, which support early childhood development, preparing children for school and identifying developmental delays as early as possible.
A thought-provoking question came from IDEA Infant & Toddler, which asked: “Do home visitors and early intervention providers in your state share professional development activities?” This highlighted the need for statewide policies that promote collaboration between child health and early childhood development initiatives. It was encouraging to know that in Ohio, organizations like the Department of Children and Youth recognize this need and are working to build systems that support both prenatal health and early childhood development.
The Challenge of Funding Home Visiting Programs
One of the biggest concerns at the summit was sustained funding for home visiting programs. While I’m grateful to be in a state where the governor recognizes the importance of home visiting and has proposed a budget that reflects this commitment, I also understand the work that lies ahead. Advocacy groups like Groundwork Ohio and others will need to continue pushing legislators to not only recognize the value of these programs but also ensure they receive the funding they need to be successful.
In addition to state funding, wraparound financial support—such as Medicaid reimbursements—will be crucial to maintaining and expanding home visiting services. Ensuring that families have consistent access to high-quality home visiting programs will require both policy advocacy and community engagement.
Final Thoughts
The National Home Visiting Summit reinforced my belief in the transformative power of home visiting programs. These programs are more than just a service—they are a lifeline for families, helping to break cycles of poverty, improve maternal and child health, and build stronger communities. By centering families, fostering collaboration, and securing sustainable funding, we can ensure that home visiting remains a pillar of support for parents and children across Ohio.
I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and continue advocating for stronger, more effective home visiting programs that truly meet the needs of Ohio’s families.
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