Bill > H98

This bill establishes a framework for home visiting programs aimed at supporting families with young children, from conception up to age five. It defines "evidence-based programs" as those with proven, researched services and measurable outcomes, governed by detailed program manuals, staffed by well-trained professionals, linked to community services, and ensuring fidelity to their model. "Promising practices programs" are those not yet fully evidence-based but showing demonstrated effectiveness with similar structural requirements. The Children's Trust Fund will work with child-serving agencies to coordinate and deliver these programs, prioritizing those that are evidence-based and linked to national organizations or higher education. These programs must be culturally sensitive, strength-based, and focus on improving maternal and child health, parent-child relationships, child development, family well-being, self-sufficiency, and reducing child maltreatment and injury. The bill also mandates reporting on program outcomes, including data on families served, health care access, parenting practices, child development, and reductions in maltreatment, with funding preference given to programs developed under this section. Furthermore, the Children's Trust Fund is required to develop standards and regulations for a "New Born Home Visiting protocol" within 180 days of the bill's passage.