Prevention In Action

An Army of Care

Strengthening the Force for Home Visiting in South Carolina

Behind every home visiting family, there is a skilled, trusted workforce. Children’s Trust invests in these dedicated professionals, equipping them with the tools, training and support to strengthen families and create lasting change.

Children’s Trust is building a stronger, more unified home visiting workforce—supporting certification, training and career growth of professionals in South Carolina.

We know home visitors are essential partners in strengthening families. Yet across our state, they face inconsistent training, limited recognition and uneven pay. That’s why we’re leading efforts to professionalize home visiting—ensuring a qualified, supported workforce that can deliver quality services to more families.

With more than 10 years of experience in the field, Children’s Trust Director of Home Visiting Cathy Ramage is on a mission to elevate home visiting as a career path.

“Home visitors do so much,” Ramage said. “They have to be knowledgeable in so many areas and manage a lot of unique circumstances with families in crisis.” For those reasons, workforce development is really crucial.

But as families face increasing challenges, the need for skilled, supported home visitors has never been greater. Ramage believes professional development, recognition and certification are key to reaching more families with quality care.

Ramage has been instrumental in developing Children’s Trust partnerships with the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals and South Carolina First Steps to launch Career Compass and promote national certification for home visitors. By aligning training, raising standards and offering a clear path for advancement, we’re building a more coordinated and professional home visiting system statewide.

Quick Stats

  • Only 1 in 10 families eligible for home visiting currently receive services in SC
  • Pay disparities of tens of thousands exist across agencies for similar roles
  • Career Compass provides clear pathways to certification and growth
  • Created a statewide consortium to align goals and overcome fragmentation
  • Certification builds core competencies and boosts service quality

A better-supported, better-trained workforce means stronger families. We’re creating a future where home visiting is seen—and respected—as a professional, high-impact career in South Carolina because both home visitors and families deserve it.