HFA and COVID-19
A message from Kathleen Strader, National Director of Healthy Families America
COVID-19 has been like a roller coaster, taking us and our emotions on a twisting, turning, up and down ride. And turns out it’s a very long ride, currently with no clear end point. While unpredictable, and a major shift to life as we knew it, COVID-19 has been an impetus for some new and innovative ways to do business, to be entertained, and to connect with those we love. COVID-19 has also revealed our weaknesses. We’ve taken notice in new and more powerful ways of change urgently needed to resolve racial health disparities and improve systems built on racial inequities.
The HFA network continues its work to support families with infants and young children, many who need us now more than ever before. Our hats are off to all of you for being champions during these stressful times for yourselves, your staff and the families you serve. The National Office promises to continue to support you in your work by creating and cultivating resources for you, by improving access to these resources so you have what you need when you need it, and simply by being here for you. Stay in touch, reach out when you can, and let us know how we can help. We are thinking of you constantly.
Resources for the continued use of virtual visits
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.
Model Guidance for HFA sites and agencies
The emphasis should be on maintaining connection (in whatever way is possible), offering a calming presence, providing support based on current needs, and keeping the dynamics of the parent-child relationship central.
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.
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.
We cannot tackle these issues single-handedly—no one can—but neither can we sit idly by and allow our children, families, and communities to suffer. At moments like this, it is more important than ever for us to stand together to advocate for racial justice and equity. To do so, we rely on strong partnerships—with our nationwide network of state chapters and Healthy Families America affiliates, with external collaborators at the local, state, and federal levels, and with leaders in the business and civic communities. We all have a role to play in creating a better future for every child, regardless of the color of their skin.
The state of the network and resources to help sustain your organization
June Network Health Survey Results
Healthy Families America (HFA) conducted a network health survey during the latter half of May 2020 to assess early impacts and inform resources needed from the national office.
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.
Economic Support and Meeting Basic Needs
Where to find help – for sites, staff and families.
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.