Figure 1: Conceptual Model of Program Influences on Government Spending

Figure 1 is a conceptual model detailing the relationship between (from left to right) home visitation program, family outcomes (maternal health, child health, pregnancy, work-force participation), and government spending (health care costs, abuse/neglect costs, education costs, public assistance costs, family income). Proceeding from left to right, home visitation is hypothesized to increase maternal health outcomes, child health and development outcomes, and work-force participation. Furthermore, home visitation programs are expected to reduce subsequent pregnancies. In turn, improved maternal health is seen as reducing health care costs. Improved child health is seen as reducing health care costs, abuse/neglect costs, and education costs, while increasing family income (tax revenue). Reducing subsequent pregnancies are seen as reducing health care, abuse/neglect, education, and public assistance costs. Finally, increased work-force participation is seen as both reducing public assistance costs and increasing family income and tax revenues.(back)