STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR’S 2021-22 STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL
“The Childhood Begins at Home campaign is disappointed that the governor’s 2021-22 state budget proposal does not include an increase for voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs in Pennsylvania for the second year in a row. Given the current environment, the decision to not increase investments so more families are able to participate is perplexing because families need home visiting now more than ever.
“Beginning in the 2017-18 budget through 2019-20, the campaign saw momentum and support building in the form of steady funding increases to connect more pregnant women, children and families to voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services, and Pennsylvania was becoming a national leader for delivering services that improve maternal health, child well-being and family self-sufficiency.
“Even before the pandemic, Pennsylvania parents struggling to make ends meet and juggling the challenges of raising their young children benefited from voluntary visits that provide parent education and support. Under the crush of the current public health crisis, isolation, stress and unemployment have made home visiting more essential than ever. Not including funds to reach more families with young children makes little sense when these programs uniquely meet families’ needs in the early care and education continuum.
“Only 5% of the pregnant women, children and families who would benefit the most from evidence-based home visiting programs are served currently. The campaign sought a combined increase of $12.4 million in the Community-Based Family Centers and Nurse-Family Partnership line items in the 2021-22 budget.
“The governor’s remarks spoke to the challenges faced by young families just starting out in the Commonwealth – their challenges and dreams for their children – and how we can remove barriers to provide for a brighter future. We hope to work collaboratively with the administration and legislature to expand evidence-based home visiting services to match that commitment with the resources to make it a reality.”
COVID-19: Home Visitors Are Here to Help
Staying connected to home visiting services can be a lifeline for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home visitors are a valuable source of information for families struggling through the pandemic, especially those who may not have family or other support networks. Home visitors are working through the pandemic to support families with young children.
Visit our Resources Page to Learn More»
What People Are Saying
”Without evidence-based home visiting, I would not be where I am today. The Family Support Center did more than help me get back on my feet; they gave me hope. “
Father who benefited from home visiting services with Family Check-Up
”As we know, a critical period of time in a child’s life where a significant impact (negative or positive) can be made on their development is birth through age 3. We also know that this age group (in fact up to age 5) is one of, if not, the most vulnerable population in society. Here in Montgomery County, our Office of Children and Youth continues to place tremendous focus on family engagement efforts to ensure that children are being adequately cared for by family in their homes and to avoid foster care placement whenever possible. That means embracing supportive programming that educates at-risk families on ways to avoid child abuse and neglect. It’s important to provide this type of support so all children in our county can live safe, happy and productive lives.“
Nadine Miller, Deputy Administrator, Resource Division, Office of Children and Youth, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
”A mother’s physical, emotional and mental health prior to pregnancy and birth play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a pregnancy and that child’s subsequent development. For young mothers, evidence-based home visiting can help ensure they get the proper care they need. In home visits, nurses and other trained professionals engage with a pregnant woman or mother, as well as her partner and other family members, educating them on the importance of regular well-child visits and helping parents to understand the important role that they themselves play in their child’s development.“
Dr. Robert Cicco, Pittsburgh Neonatologist, Allegheny County Medical Society President and the former President of the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
”Parents are a child's forever teacher. And, to do well, you need to be well.“
Susan Evans, Early Head Start
”From identifying postpartum depression to helping deal with substance use disorders, these programs empower families to make proactive, positive choices that prove beneficial to healthy development. The good news is that evidence-based home visiting programs can positively impact the lives of these young families, building confidence and imparting them with the tools necessary to overcome many challenges so they can successfully raise their children.“
Julie Mansfield, MSN, RN, manager with Nurse-Family Partnership
”As law enforcement officials, my colleagues and I are certainly tough on crime, but we also know that we can’t arrest and prosecute our way out of the crime problem. It is important for us to be proactive and help connect at-risk families and their children with proven supports. Every day law enforcement officials see firsthand the consequences of inadequate parenting and home lives. We are certainly not alone in believing that strong families are the foundation of our communities, and children from strong families have a greater chance of being healthy, productive and law-abiding citizens. Parents are, of course, their children’s primary teachers and influence. That’s why evidence-based home visiting programs are so vital.
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Angela Mattis, Montour County District Attorney
”Children don't arrive with instruction manuals, but parents can learn to be confident in their child rearing practices with the support of family, friends and community services. Pennsylvania's 55 Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visiting programs work closely with families to build trusting relationships that address critical parenting behaviors and promote protective factors that support optimal child development. Many PAT families are young parents, face poverty and/or have other challenges that the certified parent educators help them navigate. Parents as Teachers, a family-centered, results-driven approach is a cost-effective solution for families in Pennsylvania.“
Karen Shanoski, M.Mgt. Partnerships Project Manager PA Parents as Teachers State Office
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What People Are Saying
”Without evidence-based home visiting, I would not be where I am today. The Family Support Center did more than help me get back on my feet; they gave me hope. “
Father who benefited from home visiting services with Family Check-Up
”As we know, a critical period of time in a child’s life where a significant impact (negative or positive) can be made on their development is birth through age 3. We also know that this age group (in fact up to age 5) is one of, if not, the most vulnerable population in society. Here in Montgomery County, our Office of Children and Youth continues to place tremendous focus on family engagement efforts to ensure that children are being adequately cared for by family in their homes and to avoid foster care placement whenever possible. That means embracing supportive programming that educates at-risk families on ways to avoid child abuse and neglect. It’s important to provide this type of support so all children in our county can live safe, happy and productive lives.“
Nadine Miller, Deputy Administrator, Resource Division, Office of Children and Youth, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
”A mother’s physical, emotional and mental health prior to pregnancy and birth play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a pregnancy and that child’s subsequent development. For young mothers, evidence-based home visiting can help ensure they get the proper care they need. In home visits, nurses and other trained professionals engage with a pregnant woman or mother, as well as her partner and other family members, educating them on the importance of regular well-child visits and helping parents to understand the important role that they themselves play in their child’s development.“
Dr. Robert Cicco, Pittsburgh Neonatologist, Allegheny County Medical Society President and the former President of the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
”Parents are a child's forever teacher. And, to do well, you need to be well.“
Susan Evans, Early Head Start
”From identifying postpartum depression to helping deal with substance use disorders, these programs empower families to make proactive, positive choices that prove beneficial to healthy development. The good news is that evidence-based home visiting programs can positively impact the lives of these young families, building confidence and imparting them with the tools necessary to overcome many challenges so they can successfully raise their children.“
Julie Mansfield, MSN, RN, manager with Nurse-Family Partnership
”As law enforcement officials, my colleagues and I are certainly tough on crime, but we also know that we can’t arrest and prosecute our way out of the crime problem. It is important for us to be proactive and help connect at-risk families and their children with proven supports. Every day law enforcement officials see firsthand the consequences of inadequate parenting and home lives. We are certainly not alone in believing that strong families are the foundation of our communities, and children from strong families have a greater chance of being healthy, productive and law-abiding citizens. Parents are, of course, their children’s primary teachers and influence. That’s why evidence-based home visiting programs are so vital.
“
“
Angela Mattis, Montour County District Attorney
”Children don't arrive with instruction manuals, but parents can learn to be confident in their child rearing practices with the support of family, friends and community services. Pennsylvania's 55 Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visiting programs work closely with families to build trusting relationships that address critical parenting behaviors and promote protective factors that support optimal child development. Many PAT families are young parents, face poverty and/or have other challenges that the certified parent educators help them navigate. Parents as Teachers, a family-centered, results-driven approach is a cost-effective solution for families in Pennsylvania.“
Karen Shanoski, M.Mgt. Partnerships Project Manager PA Parents as Teachers State Office
