A network of home visitors and family support professionals gathered for the first All Team Home Visiting Conference in Oacoma, SD, on February 27-28, 2024. Families from across the state and four tribal communities receive pregnancy support and parenting education through the five South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) programs represented at the gathering.
Carrie Churchill, home visiting program manager for the DOH stated, “The 50 attendees had the chance to learn about their personal strengths, combatting negative thought patterns, and how to navigate boundaries in their work and personal lives. There was also the chance to hear updates about each other’s programs and service delivery successes. The Home Visiting Program looks forward to making this an ongoing event.”
South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) Bright Start team took advantage of the opportunity to share and gather best practices from Families First, Shared Waters, Strengthening and Encouraging Families, and the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board.
Home visitors implement different home visiting evidence-based models: Family Spirit, Nurse Family Partnership, Parents as Teachers, and the Tiwahe Dakota Language & Culture Curriculum. Depending on the model, the programs serve families from pregnancy until their children enter kindergarten.
The Bright Start program provides pregnancy and parenting support and education to eligible first-time mothers in South Dakota. Anyone can start the Bright Start enrollment process by completing the referral form for themself, a friend, or a family member.
