HFA and COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the HFA network in several ways. Please see below for more details.
A message from Kathleen Strader, National Director of Healthy Families America
For many of us, these are unprecedented times. We are charting the course together, and our priority remains, helping you do your best work in supporting families and young children. We continue to be available to you as we always have, via phone or email.
We know these times are adding stress to everyone’s lives. We understand the impact of compounded stress on the lives of families. We know it can be difficult to remember to keep our children at the center when dealing with the issues we as adults must contend with, whether associated with job changes, access to child care, taking care of a sick family member, access to basic needs and household items, etc.. Stress experienced by parents impacts children. Self-regulation and co-regulation are important always and certainly in times such as we find ourselves now. Please be checking in with your staff and with your families regularly. Offer opportunities for bringing joy, laughter and smiles to interactions between staff, with parents, and between parents and their children. With care and compassion for others, we will weather this together.
Guidance for HFA sites and agencies
You may need to consider a telehealth approach or moving families to a Creative Outreach Level (CO/TO/TR).
Home Visiting Is Essential – Advocacy Resources
Now, more than ever, home visiting is an essential service for families. We’ve compiled resources for you to spread the word with your local leaders that #homevisitingisessential.
Staying connected: To us and to your team
We’re here for you! Learn more about who to reach out to here, and how to support your own team virtually.
What makes a virtual home visit a visit?
As sites move forward with phone and video connections with families, they may find that it can be challenging to distinguish a remote home visit from other phone or video calls. We have some guidance to help you figure out the difference.
Economic Support and Meeting Basic Needs: For sites, staff and families
What does the stimulus package mean for you? Your site? What other resources are out there to help families during this time? We’ve got a full list. And if you know of something we’re missing, let us know.
Additional Resources from the Home Visiting Field
Many organizations are hard at work compiling resources for their networks. HFA has pulled together a list of the ones we think will be most valuable for our HFA affiliates.
Continued Use of Virtual Home Visits for HFA Sites
From a fidelity perspective, HFA currently regards virtual home visits and in-home visits equally, when conducted in accordance with existing home visit definition criteria and guidance.
Resources for parents, families and communities
Please see this special message from our CEO, Dr. Melissa Merrick, and access helpful resources compiled by our PCAA colleagues here.
Want to contact us?
Interested in learning more about our home visiting programs or helping transform childhoods and communities? Get in touch—we’ll respond as quickly as we can.