Nurturing the Nurturers: The Importance of Sound Relationships in Early Childhood Intervention

By: Bonnie Benard, Douglas Quiett

In the Marin City Families First early-intervention model, a home visitor plays a sweeping role in the life of the client family. The job is particularly challenging for those working with families in which financial uncertainty, substance abuse, feelings of oppression, inadequate education, and other poverty-related factors can breed depression, anger, and hopelessness. To become and remain effective, home visitors need a high degree of support. This report describes how home visitors support client families and how, in turn, home visitors receive support from the program supervisor. A case study introduces the reader to one family and their needs. It reveals the intensity of the home visitor's challenge and demonstrates how home visitors and the program supervisor work together to move the family forward.