WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today applauded the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announcement that $90 million in Affordable Care Act funding is now available to states to expand proven home visitation programs that provide care and information to families, help break the cycle of poverty and improve the health and well being of low income children and families.
“This program can make a major difference for American families who are struggling to raise their families and work toward a better future,” Senator Casey said. “I know this to be true because it has made a difference in the lives of many children and families in Pennsylvania. With the high-quality resources, support system and knowledge provided by this program, families are given the tools to lay a foundation that will help themselves and their children reach their full potential.”
In 2009, Senator Casey and Senator Robert Menendez introduced the Evidence-Based Home Visitation Act, which was designed to establish or expand home visitation programs proven through rigorous testing to improve the health and well-being of low-income children and families. This legislation – the first known to require that services meet rigorous scientific standards proving effectiveness – became a part of the Affordable Care Act, which President Obama signed into law on March 23, 2010.
Pennsylvania has strong home visitation programs which have achieved success at breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the health and development of vulnerable families.
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