SACRAMENTO, CA — This week, California joins the nation in celebrating National Home Visiting Week, a moment to recognize that supporting families early and at home leads to better health and stronger outcomes for children.
In recognition of National Home Visiting Week, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez has introduced a resolution designating the week of April 20 as Home Visiting Week in California. The resolution is cosponsored by Children Now, First 5 California, First 5 Association of California, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California.
“Home visiting connects families with critical support during the most important time in a child’s life. This resolution highlights that impact and the need to continue investing in these vital services,” said Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando Valley). “I’m proud to recognize Home Visiting Week and the role these programs play in helping children and parents thrive.”
"We are excited over the great momentum in California's home visiting field, with stronger policy, statewide collaboration, partnerships and more families saying "yes" to services. Children Now is grateful for the leadership of Assembly Member C. Rodriguez and the support of the legislature in recognizing the importance of the state’s investment in early childhood by honoring home visiting week," said Leticia Casillas-Sanchez, Director of Children Now Early Childhood
“First 5 California applauds this resolution and is proud to support Home Visiting Week,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. “Recognizing the vital impact of home visiting programs, we remain committed to strengthening families and giving every child the strongest start in life.”
"Home visiting is one of the most effective tools we have to support families in the early stages of raising children. For more than two decades, the First 5 Network has helped build and improve home visiting across California,” said Avo Makdessian, Executive Director of First 5 Association. “This resolution by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez underscores the importance of investing in these services as part of a more connected system of care for families.”
“ACR 171 Recognizing California Home Visiting Week is an opportunity to elevate the impact of these programs and the role they play in supporting families and communities across the state.” said Amanda Kirchner, Director of Legislative Advocacy of California Welfare Directors Association of California. “It brings visibility to a proven prevention-focused approach that supports families early and reinforces the importance of continued investment in strategies that improve outcomes for children and reduce long-term system involvement.”
Home visiting is a proven approach where trained professionals—such as nurses, community health workers, and parent coaches—help families understand how their baby is growing and developing. They support breastfeeding and postpartum health, connect families to pediatric care and social services, support parents’ physical and mental health, and help families access services such as health care, food assistance, and early learning programs.
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Assemblywoman Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, and North Hills.
For more information, visit a43.asmdc.org or follow @asmcelesterodriguez on Instagram.
