Randomized Trial of Healthy Families New York (HFNY): Does Home Visiting Prevent Child Maltreatment?

Authors

Kimberly DuMont, University at Albany, State University of New York
Kristen Kirkland, University at Albany, State University of New York
Susan Mitchell-Herzfeld, University at Albany, State University of New York
Susan Ehrhard-Dietzel, University at Albany, State University of New York
Monica L. Rodriguez, University at Albany, State University of New York
Eunju Lee, University at Albany, State University of New York
China Layne, University at Albany, State University of New York
Rose Greene, University at Albany, State University of New York

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2011

Abstract

Home visiting presents a unique opportunity for trained workers to forge enduring relationship with families at a time when parents are vulnerable and the developmental path of the newborn is malleable. This study, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, presents timely evidence to suggest that involving families in home visiting services early on promotes positive experiences within the home during the initial years of life, for both the mother and child. These benefits range from healthier birth outcomes to health parenting to positive school experiences. Some specific conclusions drawn from the study include: (1) Healthy Families America (HFA)-based programs can produce sustained effects with a diverse population; (2) who is offered home visiting services matters; and (3) examining patterns of effects on neglect may inform program practice. The study provides understanding of the relationship between home visiting and child maltreatment and youth outcomes that protect against or pose risks for later delinquency. This study utilizes a 7-year longitudinal randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a State-administered home visitation program in preventing child maltreatment and risks of delinquency. Healthy Families New York (HFNY), which is based on the HFA model, was established as a strengths-based, intensive home visitation program with explicit goals of promoting positive parenting skills and parent-child interaction, preventing child abuse and neglect, supporting optimal prenatal care and child health and development, and improving parent's self-sufficiency. This study was the first cost benefit analysis of the HFNY program. Exhibits and references

Recommended Citation

DuMont, K., Kirkland, K., Mitchell-Herzfeld, S., Ehrhard-Dietzel, S., Rodriguez, M. L., Lee, E., Layne, C., & Greene, R. (2011). Randomized trial of Healthy Families New York (HFNY): Does home visiting prevent child maltreatment? (Report No. 232945). The National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/randomized-trial-healthy-families-new-york-hfny-does-home-visiting