Children's Health and Development: Approaches to Early Identification and Intervention

The article makes the case that services and programmes are best delivered within a framework of progressive universalism - a universal basket of services for all children and families, with additional support to address additional needs.

Strategies for prevention and intervention

Preconception intervention can reduce disabling conditions with a biological basis, but genetic factors may account for some specific developmental difficulties. Avoidable environmental factors such as smoking in pregnancy, can contribute to these difficulties. However, there is also compelling evidence of the relationship between child developmental outcomes and the parents' social backgrounds, income and education, grouped together as socio-economic status (SES). This suggests that adverse outcomes aren't inevitable and appropriate intervention through influence of the family, family support programmes, early child education and care and early detection of developmental and behavioural problems can reduce the risk of poor outcome in childhood and adult life.