Title

Transitions to Virtual Early Childhood Home Visitation During COVID-19

Date

2022

Author(s)

Dorian Traube, Sharlene Gozalians, and Lei Duan

Brief Type

Journal Publication

Model(s)

  • Early Head Start Home-Based Option (EHS)
  • Healthy Families America (HFA)
  • Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
  • Other Models
  • Parents as Teachers (PAT)

Description

COVID-19 has disrupted many of the preventive service sectors designed to promote infant mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine provider and supervisor transition strategies as well as maternal-child outcomes during the transition from in-person to virtual early childhood home visitation services in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County is one of the largest home visitation sectors in the U.S. and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning from in-person to virtual home visitation was an important step in ensuring the continuity of infant mental health services. Home visitors reported relative ease in transitioning to virtual services themselves but noted that families encountered greater difficulty. The most helpful strategies to support this transition included training, ongoing reflective supervision, and provision of technology. Family level analysis revealed that positive screening rates for anxiety and depression decreased during the pandemic as did referrals for most support services. These findings likely highlight challenges in delivering virtual home visitation. Understanding how transitions in a key infant serving sector were managed serves an important role in forecasting for the future and preparing for future public heath emergencies. (author abstract)

Data Collection Methods

  • Program administrative record reviews
  • Standardized assessment tools
  • Surveys or questionnaires

Status

Finished

For More Information

Traube, D., Gozalians, S., & Duan, L. (2022). Transitions to virtual early childhood home visitation during COVID‐19. Infant Mental Health Journal, 43(1), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.21957
Author Contact Information:
Dorian Traube
traube@usc.edu

Topics

  • Home Visiting Workforce Characteristics and Workforce Development
  • Participant, Family, and Program Outcomes
  • Program Enhancements, Innovations, and Promising Approaches