Advancements in Early Intervention in Odesa
On April 23, 2025, an important conference was held in Odesa addressing issues of early intervention. It was attended by local government representatives, healthcare institutions, social services, psychologists, and parents of children receiving these services.
The conference was opened by Odesa's mayor, Hennadiy Trukhanov, who emphasized that the city is forming and actively developing a support system for children with developmental disorders and their families.
«Early intervention is a joint effort with families. Our specialists provide support in challenging situations and help organize daily life. The main goal is to ensure a happy childhood, development, and conditions for self-realization for every child. This is part of the extensive work by the city government to create a barrier-free environment for all Odesa residents,» stated Trukhanov.
Early intervention is a comprehensive service for families raising children with developmental delays or at risk of such delays in early childhood.
This service helps identify potential developmental issues early and create conditions for their correction and adaptation to society.
Odesa has become one of the pioneers in implementing a pilot project by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine regarding the early intervention system to support children's development. Currently, this service is included in the City Target Program «Barrier-Free Odesa».
The Health Department of the Odesa City Council has implemented developmental screenings for children under three years old at all city pediatric clinics and the Academic Diagnostic Center for Children named after B.Ya. Reznik.
In 2024, screenings were conducted for 10,396 children, resulting in 1,279 identified with developmental disorders, with 512 being referred for early intervention services.
Early intervention centers operate in four pediatric medical facilities. In 2024, 197 families were under the care of early intervention specialists, and all children showed positive developmental dynamics.
Last year, multidisciplinary teams conducted 1,713 interactions with families, including 349 home visits, 705 online meetings, and 659 outpatient visits.
Given the growing demand for the service, the expansion of early intervention centers is planned for 2025, aiming to assist 350 families.
For the first time in 2025, the City Target Program «Barrier-Free Odesa» will include funding for the salaries of early intervention team members.
The program also includes educational events for interdisciplinary team members, parents, medical and social workers, along with initiatives to raise public awareness about the availability of early intervention services in Odesa.
