Maternal child home visitation referral pathway tools: An innovative, collaborative strategy to improving health outcomes

Shifts in home visitation funding prompted the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, local home visitation agencies, American Academy of Pediatrics and First 5 Commission to create a dynamic collaborative in 2010. The purpose of the Referral Pathway Collaborative was to increase service capacity, identify gaps, eliminate duplication and create an improved system of care for at risk pregnant women and young children. Two innovative Referral Pathways Tools were created inclusive of eleven home visitation programs serving the South County of San Diego. The partners identified client traits and program specialty areas to determine “best first referral.” Program directors made a “no wrong door” commitment agreeing to strengthen coordination of services and reduce waiting time for services. The Referral Pathway Tools were implemented in 2011 with evaluation data demonstrating increased awareness of local home visitation resources. The tools also demonstrate increased resources for certain populations and gaps for others, supporting strategic program development in the future. Currently, the Referral Pathway Collaborative is strategically outreaching to organizations that serve at risk populations such as WIC (Women Infant and Children), Head Start, Community Clinics and Child Welfare Services. Public Health Nursing Leadership and First 5 Commission are exploring countywide expansion and housing the Referral Pathway Tools on a frequently used resource website- 211. As community needs often exceed capacity, it is a critical time to create partnerships and tools that strengthen a system of care for vulnerable populations.