Auditor General DePasquale Applauds DHS for Expanding Home Supports to First-Time Moms and Children with Special Needs
Auditor General DePasquale Applauds DHS for Expanding Home Supports to First-Time Moms and Children with Special Needs
HARRISBURG (Oct. 9, 2019) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today praised the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for its new plan to expand home visiting supports to Medicaid enrollees who are first-time mothers or have children with special needs.
This was one of the ideas DePasquale suggested in his State of the Child Action Plan, released last year.
“Whatever we can do to help children get a better start in life will pay dividends down the road,” DePasquale said. “This new initiative builds on the proven success of similar early-intervention programs.”
Home visits have been demonstrated to improve a number of health and social outcomes among at-risk children. Under the DHS plan announced on Oct. 9, enrolled parents and children would receive at least two home visits at no cost.
“Experts say the key to success is helping disadvantaged or struggling parents to better manage the challenges of early childhood,” DePasquale added. “Not only does this reduce the risk of abuse and neglect, it helps children to grow up healthier and ready to learn.”
Learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.paauditor.gov.
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