Resolve, To Ensure a Strong Start for Maine's Infants and Toddlers by Extending the Reach of High-quality Home Visitation

Sec. 1. State plan to coordinate current home visitation programs. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services, referred to in this resolve as "the department," shall develop a comprehensive plan for fiscal years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 relating to home visitation programs and services for at-risk infants and toddlers. The plan must reflect an emphasis on proven strategies to improve early childhood health and cognition, in order to increase future productivity and reduce future demand on tax-supported services, and on serving infants who are at risk due to physical, emotional, developmental or environmental factors. The plan must ensure that these programs and services, to the greatest extent possible, are funded by federal, private, local and other special revenue resources, particularly seeking to leverage both cash and in-kind private match wherever possible; and be it further

Sec. 2. Supporting direct services. Resolved: That the plan developed under section 1 must support direct services and continued investment in quality assurance, evaluation and professional development infrastructure, including training and ongoing supervision; and be it further

Sec. 3. Reporting. Resolved: That, by February 1, 2012, the department shall submit a report, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services regarding the plan under section 1 and the status of all state-funded home visitation programs, including a brief description of each program, an evaluation to date of each program and the next steps the department recommends to ensure the improved health outcomes, reduced costs to taxpayers and enhanced future productivity through these programs, as well as how the programs further the State's goal of coordinated home visitation for all at-risk families. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature concerning the programs.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for the full use of federal, private and special revenue funds for home visitation programs or services, with an emphasis on serving infants who are at risk due to physical, emotional, developmental or environmental factors, and to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services. The committee may report out a bill in 2012 on the department's progress in ensuring improved health outcomes, reduced costs to taxpayers and enhanced future productivity through these efforts.