To meet HHS’ criteria for an “evidence-based early childhood home visiting service delivery model,” models must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• At least one high- or moderate-rated impact study of the model finds favorable (statistically significant) impacts in two or more of the eight outcome domains.
• At least two high- or moderate-rated impact studies of the model (using non-overlapping analytic study samples) find one or more favorable (statistically significant) impacts in the same domain.

In both cases, the impacts must either (1) be found in the full sample or (2) if found for subgroups but not for the full sample, be replicated in the same domain in two or more studies using non-overlapping analytic study samples. Additionally, following the statute, if the model meets the above criteria based on findings from randomized controlled trial(s) only, then two additional requirements apply. First, one or more favorable (statistically significant) impacts must be sustained for at least one year after program enrollment. Second, one or more favorable (statistically significant) impacts must be reported in a peer-reviewed journal.¹

¹ These criteria are consistent with the MIECHV statutory requirements: Section 511 (d)(3)(A)(i)(I). The criteria were updated in November 2021 to reflect that, under the Version 2.1 Handbook of Procedures and Standards, HomVEE now calculates a design-comparable effect size for single-case design research and uses that to assess significance. Prior to the November 2021 update, results from single-case design research had to meet additional requirements to meet the HHS criteria. See Appendix D of the HomVEE Version 2.1 Handbook for additional details.