Introduction
This brief is part of the Human Services Programs in Rural Contexts Study, which employed a mixed methods research design involving engagement with human services subject matter experts, analysis of administrative and secondary data, and interviews with human service practitioners across 12 rural communities to achieve the following: 1) provide an in-depth description of human services programs in rural contexts; 2) determine the remaining need for human services in rural communities; and 3) identify opportunities for strengthening the capacity of human services programs to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities in rural contexts.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide federal, state, and local policymakers; MIECHV program administrators; MIECHV staff; and partners engaged in human services that promote home visiting with a series of lessons learned and practitioner recommendations to help inform policy and service delivery moving forward.
Key Findings and Highlights
Programs that involve family or home visiting like MIECHV address personal topics and experiences such as pregnancy, postpartum health, and parenting so MIECHV program staff need to build trust within rural communities in order to provide services effectively.
MIECHV program staff noted that service providers should be aware and respectful of cultural differences, namely the ways in which people parent and how these nuances may impact their discussions with participants.
New mothers may experience higher degrees of social isolation than others in their rural communities (and others in non-rural communities). MIECHV programs in rural areas may be critical for addressing social isolation.
MIECHV program staff identified significant pandemic-related need among their clients, particularly in the areas of mental health issues, substance use, job loss, and trauma.
Stronger connections to other early childhood programs may help to address needs among MIECHV participants outside the scope of the home visiting program.
Citation
Brimsek, E., J. Murdoch, and N. Chakraborti. 2022. Exploring Remaining Needs and Opportunities for Improvement in Rural Communities: A Focus on Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Services. OPRE Brief #2023-045. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.