Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Homevisiting Grant Program

Objectives: The goals of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV Program) are to: (1) strengthen and improve the programs and activities carried out under Title V of the Social Security Act; (2) improve coordination of services for at-risk communities; and (3) identify and provide comprehensive services to improve outcomes for eligible families who reside in at-risk communities. The MIECHV Program was created to support voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services for at-risk pregnant people and parents with young children up to kindergarten entry. The MIECHV Program builds upon decades of scientific research that shows home visits conducted by a nurse, social worker, early childhood educator, or other trained professional during pregnancy and in the first years of a child’s life improves the lives of children and families. Home visiting helps prevent child abuse and neglect, supports positive parenting, improves maternal and child health, and promotes child development and school readiness. The investment provides coordinated and comprehensive high-quality voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services with a national reach. The MIECHV Program plays a crucial role in building high-quality, comprehensive statewide early childhood systems to support pregnant people, parents and caregivers, and children from birth to kindergarten entry and ultimately, to improve health and development outcomes.