St. Paul, MN – On Monday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard Senator Julia Coleman’s (R-Chanhassen) “Strong Mothers, Strong Families” bill. The legislation will build upon past work to increase access and opportunities for proven effective voluntary home visiting services that improve outcomes for mothers in need and their children.

“Having personally experienced the tremendous changes pregnancy and postpartum bring to a woman and her family, I deeply understand the need to help mothers and their children have the best chance to succeed,” said Senator Coleman. “By focusing on programs with proven outcomes and emerging programs focused on unique cultural needs, we can keep working to change the lives of the mothers and children who voluntarily enter these programs.”

It is shown that families who receive family home visiting services from trained professionals and paraprofessionals have greater access to services that improve pregnancy and birth outcomes for mothers and their children. Studies have also shown that home visiting can improve parent-child attachment and helps better prepare children for kindergarten.

Additionally, prior results have shown improved maternal outcomes; such as a decrease in maternal depression and a up to a 37% increase in maternal employment. These programs have also been proven to decrease the likelihood of child abuse and maltreatment.

“We cannot have a strong society without strong mothers and families,” said Senator Coleman. “In order to improve access and outcomes for mothers and children in need, we need to focus on effective programs with proven results, this legislation accomplishes that.”