Healthy Families New York: Findings from a Three-Year Pilot Study of Enrollment Practices

Authors

Center for Human Services Research, University at Albany

Document Type

Research Brief

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

Healthy Families New York (HFNY) is a voluntary, evidence-based Healthy Families America (HFA) accredited home visiting program supporting families with high needs across New York State. HFNY’s goals are to foster parent-child bonding and relationships; promote optimal child and family health, development, and safety; enhance family self-sufficiency; and prevent child abuse and neglect (see: www.healthyfamiliesnewyork.org).

Under the long-standing “two-step” enrollment practices, eligibility is determined after an initial screen, followed by an in-depth semi-structured assessment and discussion with a trained worker. Eligible families are then offered home visiting; those who accept are referred to a home visitor for enrollment and service delivery.

In January 2018, HFNY embarked on a three-year pilot of a streamlined enrollment process in three program sites (two in Upstate New York, and one in New York City). Under this procedure, family eligibility is determined based solely on the initial screen. One worker then conducts the “Welcome Family Visit,” a short informal visit that serves to build rapport and buy-in with families, and, for those interested, subsequently conducts the in-depth semi-structured assessment and provides intensive home visiting services. This process allows for continuity of services for families, but also requires staff to master multiple skill sets.

The Center for Human Services Research (CHSR) analyzed data from families who were assessed and enrolled under the previous two-step process (Pre-Pilot) compared to the new process (Pilot Years 1 through 3) across these sites and compared to the rest of the non-pilot HFNY sites.

Given the pilot process’ increased emphasis on early rapport-building and continuity of care, it was anticipated that this process would: (a) improve families’ acceptance of the program, (b) shorten engagement timelines, (c) increase program retention, and (d) improve program capacity fulfillment. Its impact on assessment scores was also examined.

In this Brief, we present the impact of these changes on each stage of the enrollment process and family retention, with context from interviews with staff.

Recommended Citation

Center for Human Services Research, University at Albany, "Healthy Families New York: Findings from a Three-Year Pilot Study of Enrollment Practices" (2022). Children, Family & Elder Services Reports and Research Briefs. 24.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/chsr-cfes-reports-and-briefs/24