Program Development

Critical Elements (PDF file)
Research has demonstrated that home visitation programs can be successful in influencing a host of positive child outcomes such as health, school readiness, optimal development, secure attachment and safe homes when certain "critical elements" are present. In 1997 the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse published "Critical Elements for Successful Home Visitor Services" which was modeled by Healthy Families America. Since that time, the field of home visitation has evolved. These critical elements now provide guidance for all of the major research-based home visitation programs.

Comprehensive Home Visitation Resource Guide (PDF file) - updated April 2006
This guide was developed through the joint efforts of staff at UW-Extension Family Living Programs Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) Division of Public Health and many professionals who are active in home visitation services and in investigating tools that are available to support these services. The field of home visitation is growing and maturing, therefore we consider this document to be a "work in progress". Please contact us if you have updates or additional resources that should be added to this guide. Please note that inclusion in this guide does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by UWEX or DHFS. The decision to implement any of these resources should be made carefully by sites according to their own mission.

HVDAS - Home Visitor Developmental Assessment Scale (PDF file)
The Home Visitor Developmental Assessment Scale was developed as a result of a study done by Dr. Ann Keim of UWEX. Working with exemplary home visitors and their supervisors, Dr. Keim’s project identified thirty five skills and abilities need by home visitors to be successful. Parent focus groups were also used to determine what skills were most likely to engage and retain families. This scale can be used for professional development and self assessment.

Core Competencies
This guide was developed through the joint efforts of staff at UW-Extension Family Living Programs Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) Division of Public Health and many professionals who are active in home visitation programs throughout the state of Wisconsin. We hope that this guide will be a useful resource for anyone who is interested in implementing home visitation services and in investigating tools that are available to support these services. The field of home visitation is growing and maturing, therefore we consider this document to be a “work in progress”. Please contact us if you have updates or additional resources that should be added to this guide. Please note that inclusion in this guide does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by UWEX or DHFS. The decision to implement any of these resources should be made carefully by sites according to their own mission.

Supervision
The "Critical Elements of Successful Home Visitation Programs" list ongoing supervision as one of twelve basic conditions for success. "Home visitors should receive ongoing, effective supervision so that they are able to develop realistic and effective plans to empower families to meet their objectives; to understand why a family may not be making progress, and how to work with the family more effectively and to express their concerns."

The Benefits and Financing of Home Visiting Programs (PDF file)
This is an in depth article on the costs and benefits of home visitation from the National Governor's Association Issue Briefs, June 2002.

Revisiting Home Visiting: Summary of a Workshop
This article from the National Academy Press (1999) discusses the role of research in home visiting, the challenges that face this service delivery method and new ways of thinking. Although the article was written in 1999, there is still food for thought.

Home Visiting Practice Standards, a summary of the book, "Stopping Maltreatment Before it Starts: Emerging Horizons in Early Home Visitation Services" by Neil Guterman. (PDF file)
This is a summary of "Practice Principles" for successful home visitation programs that Neil Guterman has found to be supported by research. Published in 2001, this book still provides direction for program development.

Personal Safety for Visiting Professionals (PDF file)
This brochure was developed by the Minneapolis Police Department for professionals who conduct home visits.

Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: Six "Drivers" of Success (PDF file)
The implementation of a new program or practice can be a major challenge for program providers.  Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: Six "Drivers" of Success defines implementation; highlights why the effective implementation of evidence-based practices is critical to achieving outcomes; and outlines six core components or "drivers" of successful program implementation.

Seven Activities for Enhancing the Replicability of Evidence-Based Practices (PDF file)
While research can show "what works" in programs, it is often difficult for program providers to replicate results in a variety of environments. Seven Activities for Enhancing the Replicability of Evidence-Based Practices describes the essential components of replicable programs and outlines seven key activities that program developers and researchers can conduct to enhance replicability of effective program models.

We offer this section of the website as a resource for new and experienced supervisors. Please let us know if you have an addition to this page.