Rhode Island’s home visiting programs are a lifeline for many new parents. Designed to help pregnant and parenting families with high needs navigate the challenges of raising babies and young children, family home visiting programs have been proven to reduce child language delays, improve maternal health, and improve school readiness.

Unfortunately, these proven programs are in a state of emergency. Since 2021, the number of families served by First Connections has dropped by 51% and the number of families enrolled in a multi-year, evidence-based program has dropped by 32% due to inadequate staffing and financing.

It’s time that Rhode Island adequately funds our home visiting programs. Contact your legislators today and urge them to:

• Support H-7794 (Giraldo) and S-2845 (Valverde) to establish First Connections in statute and implement critical Medicaid rate increases.
• Increase Medicaid rates to meet OHIC recommendations for all family home visiting programs.
• Fund the minimum state match to ensure we stop losing out on federal funds that should be supporting Rhode Island families.