Home visiting for mothers and young infants: rationale, evidence, proposed models and realization options

Key words: Home visiting, Mothers, Children, Health promotion, Risk approach

Home visiting for mothers and children have a great potential to improve health and developmental outcomes and to mitigate disparities, by acting early, working with families and being proactive in reaching out for all. There is substantial evidence about the health and social benefits achieved through home visiting, although contextual factors and the quality of the service, including its connection with the health, social and education services of the community, are crucial factors for success. The currently preferred model of home visiting is a blended model that combines a universal approach with a risk approach. Options for implementing a home visiting programme in Italy are discussed, as well as their costs and implications for the selection and training of the home visitors. An experimental approach is recommended.