The FREE Evidence-Based Home Visiting Program

The Delaware Home Visiting Program welcomes families who are expecting a baby or have children at home up to age five (5) years. By saying yes to the Home Visiting Program, parents are saying yes to free support, guidance, and access to resources to help create a healthier and happier family. The Family Support Specialist can be there to provide support every step of the way! Learn more today by visiting DEThrives.com, dialing 211 for Help Me Grow (HMG) Delaware, or text your ZIP code to 898211.

• The Home Visiting Program is free and completely voluntary.
• Evidence has shown that accepting the services offered by the Home Visiting Program, administered by a Family Support Specialist, can help to improve maternal and child health.
• A home visit doesn’t actually have to occur in the home. A Family Support Specialist can meet families in a place that is more convenient, such as a library, park, or any other place they feel comfortable. Virtual meetings are also possible!
• A Family Support Specialist can coach parents in doing developmentally appropriate activities with their child.
• A Family Support Specialist can teach parents learning activities and literacy skills that foster their child’s development and help prepare their child for school.
• A Family Support Specialist can help families locate free or discounted resources and services in their area, such as food, cribs, diapers, and car seats.
• A Family Support Specialist can educate parents about safe-sleep practices. In the U.S., a total of 3,500 infants die each year from sleep-related deaths. A Family Support Specialist can help parents create a safe-sleep environment and can also advocate for families in need of a crib.
• Recognizing developmental milestones can help a parent ensure that their child is on track. A Family Support Specialist will screen for and provide a validated developmental screening tool, such as the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), as needed. The Specialist can educate parents about those milestones and help detect any delays or disabilities.
• A Family Support Specialist can provide support if parents choose to breastfeed and connect them with a lactation consultant.
• A Family Support Specialist can help families determine eligibility and assist them in registering with state agencies to obtain services, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) benefits.

For Families:

• In Delaware, there are five Home Visiting programs. Each Home Visiting program has different eligibility criteria and Help Me Grow (HMG) Specialist will help determine which program best suits your family’s needs. Once a Home Visiting Referral Form is submitted, a HMG Specialist will be in contact with you to help you with the next steps!
• See testimonials of past participants that were enrolled in a free Home Visiting Program.

For Professionals:

Helpful Links for Professionals that can found on DEThrives.com

• The Providers & Community Partners Home Visiting webpage is designed for professionals to know more information about the Delaware Home Visiting Program.
• The Family Support Hub app is designed with the Family Support Specialist professional in mind. It is a free resource that assists the Family Support Specialist before, during, and after home visits. The app is available to download for free on the Apple Store and Google Play Store which  is also easily accessible on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.
• The Home Visiting Toolkit is where Home Visiting resources could be downloaded or ordered for free to share with the families you serve.