X1050288

Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Homevisiting Grant Program - Project Abstract

Arkansas’s Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program
Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 W Markham St, Slot 16, Little Rock, AR 72205
Janice Black, Home Visiting Section Chief, 501-661-2086, JANICE.BLACK@ARKANSAS.GOV
www.healthy.arkansas.gov

Grant Program Funds Requested: $8,578,810.00

Purpose:
Arkansas ranks near the bottom of all states in indicators related to maternal and child health. Research shows that evidence-based home visiting (HV) programs are effective at addressing the health and well-being needs of at-risk families, particularly in rural areas. The purpose of Arkansas’s MIECHV program is to improve outcomes for at-risk children and families through four evidence-based models and one promising approach.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1:
Maintain funding for existing LIAs and HV models.

Obj. 1A: Require all models to maintain an annual average capacity level of 85%.
Obj. 1B: Strengthen Arkansas’s network of HV programs and their integration into early childhood programs through regular meetings.
Obj. 1C: Maintain existing collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and build one new collaborative partnership using coordinated intake practices or advisory boards by September 29, 2024.

Goal 2:
Prepare the HV workforce by developing and delivering training to HV staff.

Obj. 2A: Develop two new online trainings and update one existing online training based on needs assessments, core competencies, and evaluation data by September 29, 2024.
Obj. 2B: Develop two new instructor-led trainings and update two existing trainings by September 29, 2024.
Obj. 2C: Deliver at least 24 instructor-led trainings to home visitors, supervisors, and coordinators regardless of funding by September 29, 2024.
Obj. 2D: Develop training modules as virtual, virtual-blended, or instructor-led based on new HRSA requirements.

Goal 3:
Contribute to the HV knowledge base through coordinated intake, CQI initiatives, and evaluation activities.

Obj. 3A: Use benchmark and other data to support CQI projects at the state and local levels.
Obj. 3B: Disseminate findings in peer-reviewed publications and conferences as feasible.
Obj. 3C: Participate in an advisory capacity in national HV associations and councils.
Obj. 3D: Conduct rigorous research of the state’s promising approach, FBBH.

Methodology:

HV Model EB Model or Promising Approach Proposed Caseload 10/1/23 - 9/30/24 Current Caseload
FBBH Promising Approach 90 90
HFA EB Model 352 352
HIPPY EB Model 288 414
NFP EB Model 229 229
PAT EB Model 450 500

Home Visiting Program Integration into Early Childhood System:
Arkansas’s MIECHV program works closely with many agencies and programs that promote optimal early childhood outcomes. The MIECHV program works with Arkansas’s Individuals with Disabilities Act Part B and C programs to strengthen collaboration, resulting in the development of a referral template, monthly meetings, and an online referral portal. Monthly meetings ensure referrals, transfers, and communication occurs timely so that families receive services tailored to their needs.

Collaboration with Head Start:
Arkansas’s MIECHV works with Head Start at the local and statewide level. Efforts include collaboration on individualized education programs and co-training events and opportunities.

Arkansas Department Of Health

NOT APPLICABLE

93.870 - Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant

HRSA Office of Federal Assistance Management (OFAM) [HHS - HRSA]

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) [HHS - HRSA]

Arkansas United States

State-Wide

HRSA-23-086