About the MIECHV Program - Federal Home Visiting Grant

Mission

Through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, nurses, social workers, or other professionals meet with at-risk families in their homes, evaluate the families’ circumstances, and connect families to the kinds of help that can make a real difference in a child’s health, development, and ability to learn - such as health care, developmental services for children, early education, parenting skills, child abuse prevention, and nutrition education or assistance.

History

Authorized by the Affordable Care Act that was signed on March 23, 2010, the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program was established through a federal grant process issued jointly by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).  The purpose of the Program is to respond to the diverse needs of children and families and provide an opportunity for collaboration and partnership at the Federal, State, and community levels to improve health and developmental outcomes for at-risk children through evidence-based home visiting programs.  In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has been designated as the lead agency in the collaborative efforts to plan and implement the Program.

Three steps were required for completion of the MIECHV Program process.  Those steps consisted of submitting an application for funding; a statewide needs assessment; and an updated state plan for home visiting.  In order to utilize what has been identified as the most effective home visiting practices, use of evidence-based home visitation models is also required.

Outcomes

Targeted participant outcomes include:
• Improved maternal and child health;
• Prevention of child injuries, child maltreatment, and reduction of emergency department visits;
• Improvement in school readiness and achievement;
• Reduction in crime or domestic violence;
• Improvements in family economic self-sufficiency;
• Improvements in the coordination and referrals for other community resources and supports.

Legislation

PUBLIC LAW 111–148—March 23, 2010
Subtitle L—Maternal and Child Health Services
Section 2951. Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs.