The institute said the move would help recognise mental health problems and offer support at a far earlier stage. It said health visitors are well placed to offer mental health advice to all family members and refer them to specialists if necessary.
The IHV said cuts to staffing numbers and local health provision in recent years have meant that health visitors are less able to identify mental health problems swiftly. It wants the new responsibility to come with additional funding.
The recommendation has been made in the IHV's response to an NHS England consultation on mental health in the NHS Long Term Plan.
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