Early Childhood Home Visiting Program May Lose Funding

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - With renewed interest in the Whole Child approach, clients were horrified to learn that the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program may lose its funding in March when funds expire if Congress doesn't take action.

Several studies have described the effects of what's known as "toxic stress" on a child's life created by poverty, abuse, neglect or severe maternal depression, which may leave kids struggling well before any formal education program.

Several factors could make a family eligible for home visiting, including young maternal age, poverty, family risk for domestic or substance abuse, maternal mental health issues and joblessness.

Nurse-Family Partnerships, based in Denver, operates in 43 states sending registered nurses into homes of first-time expectant mothers in early pregnancy.

Read more about programs and funding in Education Week.