A new ACF literature review sought to identify factors influencing family engagement in
early childhood home visiting programs. Synthesizing findings across 36 manuscripts,
the authors found that engagement was supported by scheduling flexibility, relevance of
program content to families, and a supportive and trusting visitor-family relationship. A
positive dynamic between home visitors and families can be fostered through
intentionally matching visitors with program participants who have similar life
experiences, personalities, or shared demographics. Relatedly, home visitors with
appropriate cultural knowledge and linguistic skills can help make program content fit
among diverse families. Program recruitment was strengthened by an easy referral and
enrollment process, clear program information provided in the participants’ preferred
language, leveraging community referral partners, and outreach efforts that are based
on trusting relationships with families.
