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The study “Overview of Home Visiting Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean”, elaborated by GRADE, UNICEF LACRO and the Inter-American Dialogue’s Education Program, highlights the importance of home visits as a fundamental tool to improve the care and early development of children. This report presents a detailed analysis of ten programs in the region, organized according to whether visits are conducted by professionals or by community actors. The programs analyzed come from Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, Peru, Ecuador, Panama and the Dominican Republic. In addition, three programs from OECD countries are reviewed, providing a valuable context for comparing and learning from international experiences.
The study’s findings underline the need to improve the quality and implementation of home visiting programs, with a particular focus on training and support for human resources interacting with families. Common challenges were identified, such as a lack of coordination between the different levels of government and sectors involved in early childhood care. When properly implemented, these programs are recognized for their positive impact on children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development are recognized.
The report also offers key recommendations for optimizing these programs, including the importance of detailed guides and manuals, the need to incorporate clear indicators to evaluate progress, and the promotion of comprehensive family well-being. Home visiting programs should not only focus on improving parenting practices, but also on strengthening the personal and family conditions of caregivers. The experience of countries such as New Zealand and the United States, where successful programs are implemented, provides valuable lessons for adapting these initiatives within the region.
