Needs Assessment
A needs assessment is key to determining which communities and areas in the state of North Dakota are “at-risk,” or, which communities, due to gaps in services or needs of families, could benefit from improved access to services, better coordination of existing services, or the development of new services. Needs assessment data allows administering agencies to make data-driven, better informed decisions to ensure that MIECHV programs are implemented in areas of high need. HRSA has noted that MIECHV awardees may use needs assessment updates to:
Understand the current needs of families and children, and at-risk communities;
Target home visiting services to at-risk communities with evidence-based and promising approach home visiting models that meet community needs;
Support statewide planning to develop and implement a continuum of home visiting services for
eligible families and children prenatally through kindergarten entry;
Inform public and private stakeholders about the unmet need for home visiting and other services
in the state;
Identify opportunities for collaboration with state and local partners to establish appropriate linkages and referral networks to other community resources and supports, and strengthen early childhood systems; and
Direct technical assistance resources to enhance home visiting service delivery and improve coordination of services in at-risk communities