Nurse-Family Partnership — Elmira Trial
University of Rochester / David Olds · Elmira, New York, USA · 1977
Summary
David Olds designed one of the most replicated social intervention experiments in history. Nurses visiting low-income first-time mothers during and after pregnancy produced dramatic reductions in child abuse, neglect, emergency visits, and later criminal behavior—for both the children and the mothers. The 15-year follow-up showing reduced arrests was particularly striking. The program has now been replicated in three US cities and multiple countries with consistent effects, making it one of the strongest evidence bases in social policy.
Research question
"Do regular nurse home visits during pregnancy and early childhood improve maternal and child outcomes?"
Methodology
Intervention
Registered nurse home visits during pregnancy and first two years of life for low-income first-time mothers
Assignment
Randomized controlled trial (mother)
Sample size
400 first-time mothers followed 15+ years
Primary outcome
Child abuse, developmental outcomes, maternal employment, subsequent pregnancies
Effect estimate
−80% verified child abuse and neglect at age 2; −56% emergency room visits; at 15-year follow-up: −48% child arrests, −59% maternal arrests, −83% convictions for low-income unmarried mothers
Decision
Program replicated in Memphis and Denver with similar results; scaled nationally as Nurse-Family Partnership serving 40,000+ families per year
Result
Positive
−80% verified child abuse and neglect at age 2; −56% emergency room visits; at 15-year follow-up: −48% child arrests, −59% maternal arrests, −83% convictions for low-income unmarried mothers
Evidence strength
Strong
Randomized trial, replicated across multiple sites or studies.
Replication status
Replicated
Institution
University of Rochester / David Olds
Location
Elmira, New York, USA
Year
1977
Policy area
Early Childhood
Mechanism
Human capital