More mothers are now being screened for depression during home visits funded through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program. Data from the MIECHV Outcomes Dashboard show that, in FY 2024, 81 percent of enrolled mothers received depression screenings within three months of enrolling in home visiting or delivering a child (up from 75% in FY2017).
There is ample research indicating that home visiting programs—the evidence-based two-generation programs funded by MIECHV—improve outcomes for children and parents.
During these visits, home visitors engage in a variety of activities, including screenings to identify depressive symptoms in mothers—important tools to support maternal and child well-being. About 1 in 8 new mothers report symptoms of postpartum depression, and depression screenings can help impacted parents become aware of their symptoms and subsequently receive treatment, which in turn can support them in their roles as parents.
The rate of screening in MIECHV-served families greatly outpaces the national average of approximately 3-9 percent.
Figure: The percentage of mothers enrolled in MIECHV receiving depression screenings has risen since FY2017
Source: Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration MIECHV Program Dashboard: https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/maternal-child-health/miechv
Child Trends and Home Visiting
Child Trends experts have a wealth of experience with home visiting data and evaluation. For example, we helped the Health Resources & Services Administration design the MIECHV Outcomes Dashboard. We have also supported federal, state, and philanthropic partners with research on topics like home visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce development, implementation quality, and strategies for increasing recruitment and uptake of home visiting. If you are interested in learning more about our work on these topics, please contact Christina Padilla or Sarah Crowne.