Connecticut Congressional Delegation and Governor Ned Lamont Announce $10.8 Million in Federal Funding for Home Visiting Services to Pregnant Women and Families with Young Children

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation and Governor Ned Lamont announced $10.8 million in federal funding for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood to provide voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to pregnant women and parents with young children through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIEHCV) Program.

"No parent should go without a support system," said Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01). "The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program improves health outcomes for families, sets up kids for success, and connects parents with critical resources in their communities to thrive. I co-authored bipartisan legislation with my Ways and Means Committee colleagues, in honor of our late friend, Rep. Jackie Walorski, that was signed into law to reauthorize and expand these home visiting services. I am thrilled to see new funding to bolster maternal and child health for at-risk residents across our state."

"Home visiting programs like this help close gaps in access to care, providing services that protect the health and wellbeing of young children and their parents. This additional funding will enable Connecticut to increase these services for those who are most at risk. I applaud our delegation for securing these dollars for Connecticut," said Governor Ned Lamont.

"This incredible $10.8 million investment in maternal and child health will touch the lives of families across Connecticut, providing a reliable support network to those who need it most. It takes a village to raise a family and no one should navigate pregnancy or parenthood on their own. Thanks to this federal funding, Connecticut will provide home visiting services to parents in need to make sure they and their children can thrive," said Senator Richard Blumenthal.

"Home visiting programs support pregnant women and new parents by providing resources and education, which ultimately improve health outcomes. This funding will help Connecticut families - both parents and children - thrive during this new chapter of life," said Senator Chris Murphy.

"I am pleased to see federal funding coming to Connecticut to help new parents prepare for parenthood and ensure the health and safety of young children. I applaud my friend Congressman Larson who championed the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 on the Ways and Means Committee which made this critical funding possible for Connecticut's families," said Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02).

"When I helped establish the Congressional Baby Caucus, I was driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that every child in our nation had the best possible start in life," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). "With this $10.8 million in federal funding, the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program will offer essential support to pregnant women and young families throughout Connecticut. These resources will play a crucial role in preventing child abuse, promoting early childhood development, and improving maternal health, giving our youngest citizens every chance to thrive from the very beginning."

"Raising children is hard, especially in households where parents work long hours and multiple jobs," said Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04). "Voluntary home visiting programs connect families to professionals, including nurses and social workers, who provide invaluable services to those who need it most, such as housing support, health screenings, and educational resources. These programs improve child health outcomes and ensure parents have a stable network they can count on. I'm glad to see the federal government investing in these initiatives and I know this funding will have a positive impact on many families in Connecticut."

"In Congress, I have advocated for programs like the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program because supporting young children is crucial to ensuring their lifelong success," said Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05). "This $10.8 million award to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood will provide evidence-based services to pregnant women and parents of young children statewide as they navigate formative years and prepare for kindergarten. I am delighted to see this federally-led program continue to support families in the Fifth District and across Connecticut."

This funding was provided through the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022, supported by the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation and signed into law by President Joe Biden on December 29, 2022.

Home visiting programs prevent child abuse and neglect, bolster childhood development and school readiness, and lead to improved maternal and child health outcomes. The MIEHCV Program serves 70,000 families nationally, including over 1,200 across Connecticut. For more information on how the MIECHV Program supports Connecticut families, click here.

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