FAQs
What happens during a visit?
Your visitor will talk with you about the topics that matter most to you about your baby and your family - feeding, crying, development and much more.
How often do they come?
You and your home visitor will talk about what will work best for your family on the first visit: Weekly, monthly or something in between. This can change at any time based on your needs.
How long does a visit last?
Typically a visit lasts between 1 and 1½ hours but it really depends on how often you get together and what works best for you.
If there is no charge, who pays for this?
Maine Families is offered through local agencies or hospitals and is funded by the MIECHV grant from the federal government and by the State of Maine.
What if I don't feel like I need to continue visits?
You can decide to discontinue visits at any time. Some parents have a few visits while they are expecting and through the early months of adjusting to life with a new baby. Others who can benefit from support over a longer period of time can choose to receive visits up until their child turns 3.
What is this all about anyway?
The early years of life are critical to your child's later success in school and in life. Maine Families believes every child deserves the best possible start and that all parents should have the supports they need to give their child that great start.
Is it possible to meet someplace else besides my home?
Yes, for various reasons, it doesn't always work for everyone to meet at their homes. Talk to your home visitor about meeting at another location.
My partner and I both work on weekdays. Can we still participate?
It is often possible to meet with your home visitor after work, during your lunch break or sometimes even on Saturdays.
Can my partner be at visits too?
Absolutely!
Welcome to Maine Families!
Parenting your new baby is the most important job you will ever have. It is also the hardest! That's why you and all Maine parents will love getting the information that you can trust, the support that you need when you need it, and an extra boost of confidence from Mane Families.
Maine Families is offered to all families who are expecting or have a new baby at home. Whether it is your first or your third baby, Maine Families certified family visitors can provide information, encouragement and support around the topics that matter to you regarding health, nutrition, safety, development and your family's well-being. Best of all, they come to you at your convenience and at no cost to you!
What is Family Visiting?
Maine Families is a statewide network of community teams serving the needs of pregnant women and parents with newborns. The Maine Families Program understands that all parents want the best for their babies. We are on your side and we come right to your home. No matter what you need to give your family a great start, we are here to help you. If you are expecting a new baby or have a baby less than three months old, let us know how we can help. Coming to your own home at a time that works for you takes the worry away about transportation or time traveling with your child.
Our caring and professional visitors will partner with you to access the information and resources that can support the physical and emotional health of your baby and entire family.
Maine Families is based on the most current information and approach (evidence-based) that uses parent's strengths to promote child development and the best possible parent-child relationship.
Maine Families support with parenting is free and just a phone call away. Find Maine Families near you to get started.
Family visits are a time to...
- focus on your pregnancy, newborn, or toddler
- learn about your child's development
- view educational videos and resource materials
- ask a certified Parents as Teachers visitor questions about parenting
Your Visitor will meet with you in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
- Provide you with prenatal support: Information on breastfeeding; eating healthy for you and your baby; childbirth; and fetal development.
- Once your baby is born, she will share with you information about what you may expect at different ages and stages of your baby's development.
- Share toys, books and games to help you encourage your baby's healthy growth.
- Provide you with helpful tools and ideas for meeting the daily challenges of parenting.
- Help you connect with other community services and resources you might want to use.
Watch Our Welcome Video
Welcome to Maine Families! (English Version)
Welcome to Maine Families! (Somali Version)
Welcome to Maine Families! (Portugese Version)
Welcome to Maine Families! (Spanish Version)
Welcome to Maine Families! (French Version)
Welcome to Maine Families! (Arabic Version)