Learning Together: Exploring Home Visiting Models with DCFS’ Birth to Five Initiative
Beginning in the summer of 2025, the Consortium partnered with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) Birth to Five Initiative to provide educational sessions about some of the various home visiting models that are utilized in LA County. Presentations were geared to address common questions and concerns that DCFS employees and social workers have.
The webinars were moderated by Danielle Rivera, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the Birth to Five Program. The Policy Team from LA Best Babies Network supported with registration, logistics, and communications with presenters.
The first webinar was held on June 18th and over 200 participants joined to learn about 3 home visiting models: Healthy Families America (HFA), Parents as Teachers (PAT) and Welcome Baby (WB). Presenters volunteered from Consortium member agencies to present on behalf of the model their site utilizes. Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) presented on the PAT model, All for Kids discussed the HFA model, and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital shared information about the Welcome Baby model.
The second webinar was held on September 17th and over 300 participants joined to learn about 3 more home visiting models that are represented in LA County: Nurse Family Partnership (NFP), Partnerships for Families (PFF), and Early Head Start (EHS). Presenting agencies included the Department of Public Health (NFP), The Help Group (PFF) and Foothill Family (EHS).
Each presenter discussed their respective program requirements for enrollment, program objectives and benefits, and how to make referrals into their programs. Presenters also answered some of the frequently asked questions that DCFS employees had, including home visitor credentials and mandated reporter requirements. Presenters also shared unique success stories from their agencies that highlight the lifechanging power of home visiting. Several presenters also uplifted the Home Visiting eDirectory as a convenient and confidential tool that parents and providers can use to find out which home visiting programs they are qualified for. The webinar recording and presentations can be found on the Consortium website.
DCFS and LABBN will be hosting a third and final part to the Home Visiting 101 series on Wednesday, December 10th. Stay tuned for details! If you would like to learn more about DCFS’ Birth to Five Program, check out their policy page. You can help spread the word about this great program by sharing this flyer.
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