Delaware Home Visiting Program Overview
Background on the Delaware Home Visiting program, MIECHV funding, program goals, and structure.
The Delaware Home Visiting Program is administered by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (DPH). The program connects expecting parents and families with young children to trained home visitors who provide evidence-based support, education, and referrals. It is funded primarily through the federal MIECHV grant.
MIECHV Funding
MIECHV is a federal program jointly administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Delaware receives a state MIECHV formula grant that supports the delivery of evidence-based home visiting across the state. The grant comes with federal performance measures that programs must track and report annually.
Program Goals
- Reduce infant mortality and improve birth outcomes
- Improve maternal health and well-being
- Support healthy child development and school readiness
- Increase family economic self-sufficiency
- Connect families to community resources and support networks
Program Structure
DPH oversees the program at the state level and contracts with Local Implementing Agencies (LIAs) to deliver services directly to families. Delaware is divided into 9 MIECHV zones, each served by one LIA. LIAs employ Family Support Specialists (FSS) who conduct home visits and connect families to resources.
Home Visiting Models
Healthy Families Delaware (HFD)
HFD serves families who are at risk for child abuse or neglect, beginning during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Home visitors work with families long-term, supporting parenting skills, parent-child bonding, and family stability.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
NFP serves low-income, first-time mothers beginning early in pregnancy. A registered nurse visits the mother regularly through the child's second birthday, focusing on prenatal health, infant care, and the mother's personal development.
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
PAT serves families from pregnancy through kindergarten entry. Certified parent educators conduct home visits focused on child development knowledge, family well-being, and connections to community resources.
Early Head Start (EHS)
EHS is a federally funded program for low-income pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers up to age three. The home-based option delivers weekly home visits focused on school readiness, parent-child interaction, and family support.