This resolution supports designating the week of April 21 through April 25, 2025, as "National Home Visiting Week" to recognize the importance of programs that support early childhood development and family success.
Darin LaHood
Representative
IL-16
This resolution supports the designation of the week of April 21 through April 25, 2025, as "National Home Visiting Week." It recognizes the critical role home visiting programs play in supporting early childhood development and strengthening families nationwide. These evidence-based services provide essential guidance and support to parents, promoting positive outcomes for children. The bill formally endorses the goals and ideals associated with this important national observance.
This resolution officially supports designating the week of April 21 through April 25, 2025, as “National Home Visiting Week.” If you’ve ever wondered what kind of support is out there for new parents who aren’t sure where to start, this is Congress giving a nod to the folks who actually show up at the door to help.
Unlike a bill that raises taxes or changes an existing law, this is a resolution—meaning it’s an official thumbs-up from the House of Representatives. The primary action is symbolic: formal recognition and support for this designated week and the ideals behind it. It doesn’t create new funding or mandate any programs, but it does serve to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development and the programs designed to support it. Think of it as putting a spotlight on a program that’s already running in the background.
The resolution isn't just fluffy language; it’s backed by some serious data on existing programs. It highlights that evidence-based home visiting services were active in all 50 states and over half (51%) of U.S. counties in 2023. These programs aren't small-scale experiments either. In fiscal year 2023 alone, they served over 280,000 families, resulting in more than 2.8 million visits nationwide. For a young parent working two jobs, a home visitor might be the only person who can offer consistent, personalized advice on everything from nutrition to developmental milestones, without them having to take time off work to travel to an appointment. The resolution emphasizes that this support strengthens families, promotes positive parenting, and helps lower the risk of child abuse or neglect.
If you’re not a parent of a young child, why should you care about a commemorative week? Because strong early childhood development is a foundational piece of a healthy, functioning community and workforce. The resolution points out that a child’s brain develops fastest in those early years, and stable support is crucial for long-term success. By formally recognizing these programs, Congress is reinforcing the idea that investing in the earliest stages of life pays dividends down the road—meaning fewer social costs and a more capable future generation. While this resolution doesn't change your bank account today, it shines a light on a proven method for improving outcomes for the next generation of workers and citizens.