Families in New Mexico will now have easier access to Home Visiting services through a new online portal.
All families in New Mexico that are expecting a baby or have a child under the age of five are eligible for Home Visiting services. According to the state, Home Visiting professionals support families by providing information on check-up milestone dates, screenings, referrals, parenting advice, and guidance with navigating other programs and services in their community.
The new portal was developed by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), which oversees the Home Visiting program.
“ECECD is working to make life-changing early childhood programs like Home Visiting more accessible to New Mexico families,” said ECECD Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “Whether it’s your first child or your fourth, home visitors are your trusted partners in parenting, helping you navigate the joys and challenges of caring for young children.”
Home Visiting is now a part of the state’s online referral system “Am I Eligible?” State leaders say the inclusion on the referral system will streamline the process and enable families with young children aged prenatal to 5 to connect with a Home Visiting provider within three to five days.
“The new home visiting portal makes connecting with a provider easier than ever,” said Jenny Ferranti, beginning years program director at Gila Regional Medical Center. “Families can choose a home visiting program that best meets their needs and get a referral within minutes. Making the home visiting system easier to navigate will ensure that more families have the tools and skills necessary to raise happy, healthy, and positively attached children.”
ECEDC said in a statement that residents only need “some basic information” to answer the portal’s questions and receive contact from a home visitor. To help residents navigate the online referral system there are step-by-step video tutorials available on the ECECD website.
