Have a baby in Massachusetts, and the state wants to come visit your home.
Gov. Maura Healey said as much on Boston Public Radio. Watch for yourself:
“Everybody in the state, when you have a baby, you’re going to have a home visit within days, weeks and that will be an opportunity for a healthcare provider to make an assessment to see if you need some additional support and resources.”
She’s not saying “may.” The policy isn’t “if you call.”
It’s for everybody. A mandatory assessment.
Healey’s office later boxed it as a voluntary expansion of Welcome Family: $2 million so every new parent can get a nurse visit, plus $250,000 more for a psychiatry access program for moms.
The existing program already reaches about 3,000 families per year.
Healey tied the pitch to postpartum mental health after the Lindsay Clancy trial. The press release, however, is much softer than the radio cut.
The radio cut is what Healey said.
On its face, it’s insane. Then ask who walks through the door.
Best case: A social worker or state-tied nurse with the training and priorities of the modern helping class.