Strong Families Start Here: Honoring National Home Visiting Week in Montana

National Home Visiting Week is recognized from April 20–24, 2026.

This nationwide observance celebrates the life-changing impact of home visiting programs and the dedicated people who make this work possible every day. Alongside the Montana Home Visiting Coalition, we’re excited to highlight home visiting in Montana by recognizing families who have benefited from home visiting, as well as the outstanding home visitors serving communities across our state.

We’re grateful for the Governor’s Proclamation celebrating the life-changing impact of National Home Visiting Week  here in Montana and helping showcase the importance of this work across our state.

So, let’s take a moment to hear directly from Montana families about why they said yes to home visiting. Watch their stories in this short video:

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Visiting

Next, let’s walk through some frequently asked questions about home visiting. Many people aren’t quite sure what it is or whether it’s right for them and their families – and that’s okay. Our hope is that this week helps more people understand that no matter where you live, your income, or your circumstances, there may be a home visiting program available to support you.

What is a home visiting program, and how can it benefit my family?
Home visiting is a voluntary, evidence-based support and coaching service that strengthens families during pregnancy and early childhood.

Trained home visitors, such as nurses and early childhood specialists, partner with expecting parents and caregivers of young children to build parenting skills and connect families with services that support healthy physical, social, and emotional child development.

Who can participate in a home visiting program?
Eligibility varies by program, but some are available regardless of income or background.

While access is not yet equal across all areas of Montana, there is ongoing statewide work to expand availability and ensure more families can benefit.

What happens during a home visit?
Each visit is tailored to your family’s needs and goals. Home visitors work with you to build confidence in parenting and support your child’s development.

This might include:

  • Discussing developmental milestones
  • Answering parenting questions
  • Providing lactation support
  • Offering health and safety guidance
  • Connecting you with community resources

What if I’m not able to have someone visit my home or I don’t have a home?
Home visiting programs are designed to be flexible, supportive, and non-intrusive.

If in-home visits aren’t a good fit, many programs offer alternatives such as virtual visits or meeting in community spaces like libraries or coffee shops. You can work with your program coordinator to find an option that feels comfortable for you.

Is there a cost to participate in a home visiting program?
Most home visiting programs are offered at no cost to families. They are typically funded through state or federal programs, nonprofits, or community organizations.

How do I sign up for a home visiting program?
The best way to get started is to connect with a local program near you.

You can use the LIFTS Online Resource Guide to find home visiting programs across Montana—just type “home visiting” into the search feature. If you need help finding a program, you can also call the LIFTS Warmline at (406) 430-9100 for personalized assistance.

So join us this week! Here on the blog and across social media, we’ll be sharing stories from Montana families about why they said yes to home visiting and highlighting the dedicated home visitors who walk alongside them every day.

Follow along! And if you have a story about how home visiting has benefited you and your family, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at stories@hmhb-mt.org.