The birth of a child can be a simultaneously joyous and challenging time for families. Virtually all parents will struggle with the enormous physical and emotional demands of parenting a very young child, but for too many California families those challenges are additionally compounded by poverty, housing instability, lack of social support, or domestic violence during the early years of parenthood and childhood. Such adverse circumstances can create significant strain within households, introducing stress that disrupts children's development and increases the likelihood of short and long term unfavorable outcomes for both parents and children. Voluntary home visiting is a proven early childhood strategy that helps parents provide the best foundation possible for their children's early development through support, guidance, coaching, and resources. This brief is intended to set the stage for further discussions about how to expand and enhance early childhood home visiting in California.