Developmental Monitoring and Promotion in Home Visiting: a Qualitative Study of Parents and Providers

Developmental monitoring and promotion efforts are keys to identifying potential developmental concerns and connecting young children to intervention services. Evidence-based home visiting programs are one avenue for developmental monitoring and promotion, particularly for families with young children who may need extra support (e.g., families living in poverty, families dealing with substance use). In the present qualitative study, we interviewed parents (N = 23) and providers (N = 18) from three home visiting programs to understand the ways in which home visiting engages in developmental monitoring and promotion. Findings indicated that children participating in home visiting were regularly screened for developmental concerns (developmental monitoring). Providers also discussed screener results with parents and provided activities and materials to encourage parents to engage in positive parenting behaviors (developmental promotion). Barriers to monitoring and promotion were also uncovered and included family buy-in and logistical constraints. Implications suggest enhanced provider training to overcome barriers and greater policy and funding support for home visiting to extend the reach of home visiting and bolster developmental monitoring and promotion efforts.