Family Visiting Referral Information For Providers

Understand the benefits of Family Visiting

Family Visiting programs are evidence-based and have demonstrated improvements in a wide range of maternal and child health outcomes. Family Visitors can also refer families for a wide range of community services and support.

Talk about Family Visiting with your patients and clients

The way in which you present the idea of family visiting is crucial to a family’s interest in participating. Talk about Family Visiting as something a family might find supportful; not as something they “should” do.

• Explain why you recommend Family Visiting, and share some of the benefits.
• Emphasize that services are free and the location is flexible... at home, in the neighborhood, at the provider's office or virtually.
• Offer examples of how Family Visiting can help address specific concerns voiced by the family.
• Ask questions that will evoke the parent's understanding and motivation. Affirm and summarize the parent's response.
• Explain that our referral will set the process in motion, and that a Family Visitor will contact them to schedule a meeting. Ask for the parent's preferred method of follow-up contact.