KIDS COUNT in Delaware News & Events

​In just three years of the pandemic, COVID-19 has taken more American lives than were lost in the six years of WWII. As we continue to grapple with the pandemic's impact, it is crucial to understand how children have been affected.

Released on May 3rd, the 2023 KIDS COUNT in Delaware FOCUS on Impact of COVID-19 explores outcomes associated with pandemic-related hardships and stress faced by Delaware children.

The 2023 FOCUS book addresses issues related to demographics, health, education, economic security, and family/community. With growing diversity within Delaware's child population, policies that focus on racial and ethnic equity are crucial to creating positive outcomes for all kids. The book emphasizes the importance of of addressing disparities in educational outcomes, highlights the need to provide financial assistance and social services to families, and reminds readers the importance of ensuring childhood safety.

The 2023 FOCUS book is an essential read for policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and anyone interested in promoting the well-being of children during and beyond the pandemic.

Supplemental materials:

• Recording of webinar
• Power point slides

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, KIDS COUNT in Delaware has offered webinar series with the intent of bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the state to engage in conversation grounded in data related to current conditions for children given the ever changing environment due to COVID-19. 

The 2021-2022 "Data to Action" Webinar Archive and the 2020-2021 "Timeline Tuesday" Webinar Archive (including link to recording, written briefs, power point slides, and additional resources on each topic) can be found on UDSpace

​KIDS COUNT in Delaware is pleased to have co-hosted a Home Visiting Virtual Lunch & Learn in conjunction with:

• First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney

• Delaware General Assembly Kids Caucus

• Delaware Chapter American Association of Pediatrics

• Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium

• Delaware Early Childhood Council

Recording of webinar

Power point from ZERO TO THREE

Home Visiting FAQs

A: Home Visiting is a voluntary service delivered to families during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life. Home Visiting programs pair expecting and new parents with a nurse, social worker or an early childhood specialist who provide support and resources to ensure that families are able to fully support and meet children’s health and development during the early years. Home visiting staff meet regularly with new or expecting parents, evaluate their needs, and provide tailored services to help families develop positive parent-child relationships, promote early learning and development, encourage positive health outcomes, and reduce risk.

A: Home visits are an effective method to support families, particularly when they are part of a comprehensive and coordinated system of services. Home visiting programs match parents with trained professionals who provide information and support starting at pregnancy and continuing throughout a child’s first years. Home visiting programs vary in goals and content of services, but in general, they combine parenting and health care education, child abuse prevention, and early intervention and education.

A: Families are referred to home visiting through Help Me Grow 2-1-1 (central intake), Medicaid MCOs, child welfare, birthing facilities, private and community providers. Help Me Grow 2-1-1 uses an algorithm to match families up with the most appropriate program. Delaware also has health ambassadors (community health workers) in targeted communities providing maternal and child health education including the availability of services like home visiting. Use of social media and other marketing strategies boost the reach of the programs as well.

A: In addition to registering for the 11/10/21 lunch & learn, several resources are available to learn more about home visiting, including:

• National Home Visiting Resource Center State Yearbook
• ZERO TO THREE updates on state home visiting initiatives
• NCSL overview of home visiting and state legislation
• Center for Health Care Strategies brief: Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal and Child Health Through Home Visiting Programs
• Migration Policy Institute brief on reaching immigrant and refugee families
• Home Visiting history and Timeline 1500-2012

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