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 including feeding, crying, development, and much more.


How often do they come?

You and your Family 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?

Your visit will typically last between 1 and 1½ hours, depending on how often you have a visit 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 Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program 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 three years old.


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, your Visitor can meet you in another safe location of your choice. Talk to your Family Visitor about meeting at another location. We also offer virtual visit options.


My partner and I both work on weekdays. Can we still participate?

It is often possible to meet with your Family Visitor after work, during your lunch break, or sometimes even on Saturdays.


Can my partner be at visits too?

Absolutely!

Welcome to Maine Families!

Being a parent is a really important job. We know that you want the best for your kids, and that parenting is not always easy. Every parent deserves the support of someone to help along the way. Maine Families’ caring and professional Family Visitors help parents access information and resources that can support the physical and emotional health of their babies and the entire family.


Maine Families is offered to all families who are expecting or have a new baby at home. Maine Families’ certified Family Visitors can provide information, encouragement, and support around topics that matter to you regarding health, nutrition, safety, development, and your family's well-being. Best of all, they will come to you at your convenience and at no cost to you!



What is Family Visiting?

Maine Families is a statewide network of community partners serving the needs of pregnant people and parents with newborns. The Maine Families Program understands that all parents want the best for their babies.


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, you qualify to receive free visits and support from Maine Families.



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 Parents as Teachers certified Family Visitor questions about parenting.

Your Visitor will meet with you in the comfort and privacy of your own home to:

  • Provide you with prenatal support and give you information about childbirth and fetal development.
  • Share information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding and nutrition tips for you and your baby as they grow and develop.
  • Share 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 for additional support.

Watch Our Welcome Video

Welcome to Maine Families! (English Version)


Welcome to Maine Families! (Somali Version)


Welcome to Maine Families! (Portuguese Version)


Welcome to Maine Families! (Spanish Version)


Welcome to Maine Families! (French Version)


Welcome to Maine Families! (Arabic Version)


Welcome to Maine Families! (Kinyarwanda Version)