The state Department of Public Health announced today that it will receive $27 million over three years in Affordable Care Act funds to improve the health and development of at-risk pregnant women, parents, caregivers and children up to 8 years of age.

“We have no more important task as parents, as citizens and as a government than ensuring that our children get a healthy start in life, and this program will go a long way toward doing just that,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said in a news release. “This is an investment that can directly lead to a better quality of life for our children and families, and a better future for our state.”

The grant will expand the capacity of the state's home visiting programs that are designed to increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, prevent child abuse and neglect, and increase children’s school readiness and school success.

The public health department collaborated with the Departments of Social Services, Children & Families, Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Department of Education on the home visiting initiative.

“These funds will support home visiting programs in Connecticut that are effective models in protecting the health and safety of our most vulnerable children,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen.