Dez Brandt is program manager of Healthy Families America home visiting program in the Panhandle Public Health District. She testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee in support of LB104, State Senator Jane Raybould’s bill that establishes a definition of evidence-based home visiting in Nebraska statute and calls on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to offer annual reports from 2026 to 2028 on the use and impact of state funds for home visitation programs.
Before becoming a home visitor, I spent nearly a decade as a probation officer in the Nebraska Panhandle. In that role, I witnessed women and children struggling with overwhelming barriers to name a few—addiction, mental health challenges, housing and food insecurity, abusive relationships, unmet medical needs and lack of support. Too often, I saw parents bringing children into the same cycles of instability they were trying to escape. And while I worked hard to help, I often felt helpless—stretched between my duties to the court system and my desire to do more for these families. I watched too many women and children slip through the cracks simply because the right support wasn’t reaching them in time. My empathy extends as I am also a mother of three young children.
Life-changing impact
Since transitioning to the vital work of home visiting in 2020, I have witnessed firsthand its life-changing impact on families. Home visitation is more than a program—it’s a lifeline. It’s trained professionals stepping into the homes of expecting and new parents, not to judge or instruct, but to walk alongside them. It’s about building trust, offering guidance and ensuring that every child gets the strongest possible start in life.
For a first-time mom feeling overwhelmed, it’s a reassuring voice reminding her she’s not alone. For a struggling family, it’s a connection to essential resources—whether that’s prenatal care, safe sleep education or simply someone who listens. It’s about breaking down barriers to health and well-being, one visit at a time, so that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.
It’s important to note—home visitation is voluntary. Families choose to participate because they see the value in having a trusted partner on their parenting journey. Home visitors are welcomed guests, invited into homes to provide support without judgment. They respect each family’s unique circumstances, offering guidance while honoring the parents’ expertise in their own children. This partnership is built on trust and collaboration, ensuring families feel empowered, not obligated.
Beneficial in rural areas
Home visitation is particularly beneficial in rural communities due to the unique challenges and strengths these areas present. Rural areas often have vast distances between homes and limited access to essential services. Home visitation brings support directly to families, eliminating transportation barriers. Rural communities often experience higher levels of social isolation, especially for families with young children or those facing challenges. Home visitors connect families with local resources, such as health care providers, child care, community organizations and opportunities to meet other parents, fostering a sense of belonging and integration within their communities.
Our rural site currently serves around 100 families through our evidence-based child abuse prevention home visitation program. This spring, we are expanding into four additional counties, allowing us to reach even more families in need. With this growth, our services will soon be available across the Panhandle, strengthening support for children and families across the rural Panhandle.
Requires annual report
Passing LB104 requires the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to the Legislature, ensuring transparency and accountability in how home visitation programs are impacting Nebraska families. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase their effectiveness, use data to improve services and provide concrete evidence of their role in strengthening families and improving outcomes. Just as home visiting is built on trust, this report will build confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing that investments in early childhood make a meaningful difference.
This is our chance to reinforce the power of prevention and early intervention by strengthening the standards that guide these essential programs. By establishing a clear statutory definition and ensuring accountability, we are making a long-term commitment to Nebraska families.
Read FFN’s testimony in support of LB104 | FFN’s LB104 policy brief: Defining Evidence-Based Home Visiting Programs in Nebraska Statute
Read FFN’s blogpost: More Nebraska families will benefit from $2.5 million for home visiting programs
Read State Senator Wendy DeBoer’s guest blogpost: Home visiting strengthens the well-being of Nebraska families, children
