Improving outcomes for children and families in the early years: a key role for health visiting services

These case studies demonstrate examples of innovation and how challenges were met.

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In 2015 health visiting was brought into the local government fold for the first time since 1974.

As with so much of public health, the move into local government offers fresh opportunities. By integrating health visiting with other services, such as children's centres, early help, safeguarding and public health teams, we can provide better support to children and their families.

These case studies demonstrate examples of innovation. But there have also been challenges. Concerns have been raised that in some areas health visitor posts are being cut as a consequence of the reductions to local government funding.

The cuts to local authority public health budgets make it more important than ever for health visitors and commissioners to work together to monitor and evaluate the impact of the service.