Noting that the continuing need for services that support families is often met by home visiting, this guidebook compiles personal stories, relevant research, and practical strategies to allow social workers, educators, and other early childhood professionals as well as those who train home visitors to better understand the complex nature of this type of intervention and more effectively address the internal and external stressors that place young children and families at risk. Following an introduction and overview of the topics, the guidebook is organized into three sections. Chapters in Section 1 examine the basics of home visiting, specifically the parent-home visitor relationship, the home visitor's approach, working with diverse families, and professional development. Chapters in Section 2, comprising the bulk of the guidebook, address promoting healthy parent and child development. The chapters focus on developing a sense of self--the foundation of social and emotional development; guidance and discipline; communication and language; play, learning, and development; routines, rituals, and celebrations; siblings; and the psychologically vulnerable family. Section 3 presents personal and professional histories of two home visitors. The guidebook concludes with a list of resources, organized by topic areas including early risk, guidance and discipline, and home visitor professional development. (Contains extensive endnotes organized by chapter.) (HTH)