Frequently Asked Questions

A program that provides a nurse to support you and your family throughout pregnancy and after your baby is born. Your nurse will support you to identify and plan for the needs of you, your growing child(ren), and your family. 

Depending on your county and family's needs, your nurse may also partner with a community health worker or licensed alcohol & drug counselor in the home.

Your nurse will come to your home for a visit, or you can choose to meet at an alternative location, like a local park or library. Telehealth or phone visit options are also available. Visits typically last one hour. Your nurse will answer any questions you may have, provide anticipatory education about your and your child’s health, and connect you to local resources.

At each visit you will be able to talk with your nurse about how you and your child(ren) are doing. The nurse will share information on caring for and bonding with your child(ren) and playing and talking with your child(ren) to help them grow and learn. Your nurse can connect you to other local resources that may be beneficial and to help you reach your family’s hopes and dreams.

Visits can vary based on your family's needs and goals, as well as when you are referred to us. We like to connect with you in pregnancy or soon after you bring your baby home, but you can also reach out at any time in your parenting journey. Your nurse will talk with you about what day and time will work best to meet and can be flexible around your schedule. 

MECSH stands for Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home visiting. MECSH is the name of our evidence-based home visiting model. It helps our nurses structure visits with families, including providing a schedule and topics to cover. Families can enroll in MECSH during pregnancy or up to 8 weeks after baby is discharged from the hospital. Families participate until child turns 2 years old.

Each of our counties also have traditional home visiting program options, as well as other curriculums they can use for families who may not qualify for, or who are not interested in a long-term programming. A nurse will follow up on every referral received and can can share about resources and answer any questions you may have. Our nurses are knowledgeable about local resources and will help connect you, regardless if you decide to enroll in a home visiting program or not.

No. While you can ask for a referral to public health home visiting at your clinic appointment or during your hospital stay, you can self-refer by completing our online referral form, calling or texting 763-276-0441, messaging us in our “contact us” section on our website, or asking to be referred to us at your next WIC appointment.

Home visiting is provided at no cost to families.

No, family home visiting is a voluntary program. If you choose to participate, you can change your mind at any time. 

Home visiting is available throughout the state of Minnesota (and United States)! You can contact your county’s public health office to find out more. If you are unsure where to start, you can call/text us at 763-276-0441 and we can help connect you.

Our nurses have access to interpreters to assist with language barriers.

We offer an annual Family Feedback Survey to all enrolled families. Of the 147 family respondents in fall 2025, 99% expressed improvement in one or more area of life since beginning home visiting, including:

• 75% expressed improvement in understanding their child's development and parenting skills
• 61% reported improvement in reading their child's cues 
• 49% reported improvement in their ability to solve problems
• 48% reported more patience with their child's behaviors
• 47% reported improvement in their support system

They shared the following about the home visits:

• 99% of families felt they always have enough time with home visits (length, frequency) to have needs met
• 95% felt home visiting materials & information were easily understandable and/or provided in their preferred language
• 99% felt respected during home visits in parenting style & choices made for child(ren)
• 97% felt home visiting materials & information are useful for determining what is best for their child(dren)
• 97% confident that they can do a good job raising their child(ren) since participating in home visiting

98% of families are highly likely or moderately likely to recommend family home visiting to other families.

Quotes from participating families:

"I did not think I would find such an incredible nurse & program. As a first time mom, this has helped me feel more prepared & confident in my motherhood journey."

"She has given me very good resources to use during and after pregnancy. And also has given me tools that will help me mentally prepare for what’s to come and with being a new mom. I now have gained confidence in caring for my child and also have reevaluated my support system at home and outside of my home."

"Parenting can feel so isolating so having the reinforcement that what you are doing is right is helpful."

Give us a call/text at 763-276-0441 or send us a message in our “contact us” section on our website, or email referrals@firststepscentralmn.org. We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Please check for any employment opportunities on individual county websites.