Early intervention service expands in Ukraine – Government decision

At the initiative of Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy, the Cabinet of Ministers has introduced the social component of early intervention services and approved the implementation procedure for this pilot project. Currently, over 70 early intervention teams operate in Ukraine. With these changes, the service will expand to more than 100 communities that will receive state funding to provide such services.

This will facilitate early detection and prevention of developmental disorders in children, ensuring timely support and successful socialization of children in society.

Early intervention teams, each serving about 30 families, are expected to help approximately 3,300 families annually.

Early intervention teams help:

• Reduce the impact of developmental disorders on the child and family

• Improve the child's physical, cognitive, speech and social development

• Enhance the quality of life for both child and family

• Ensure equal opportunities for the child to participate in education and social life

The pilot project will be implemented using state budget funds. The national procurement agency (Social Protection Fund for Persons with Disabilities) will contract service providers. The Fund will make monthly payments for early intervention social services based on reports.

• Service providers must meet these requirements:
• Be registered in the Social Service Providers and Recipients Register
• Have a professional early intervention team of three specialists: social worker, psychologist, and occupational/physical therapist
• Possess a vehicle for mobile visits to recipients

A provider may operate one or multiple early intervention teams serving multiple villages, towns or cities within 60 km of the provider's location.

The monthly base rate for one early intervention team (three specialists) is 115,154 hryvnias.

The service is available for children from birth to four years old with developmental disorders or risks, confirmed by a healthcare facility referral or inclusive resource center assessment.

Services are provided in the child's natural environment (home, playgrounds, public spaces) and include:

• Building parental competencies and self-sufficiency
• Creating support networks around child and parents
• Adapting the child's environment for natural development
• Preparing children for kindergarten and supporting initial enrollment

Meetings occur at least once every two weeks, with frequency adjusted based on intervention needs.

To access the service, parents or guardians must apply to local self-government bodies.

The Ministry of Social Policy coordinates the pilot project.

Currently, over 70 early intervention teams operate in 21 Ukrainian regions: 56% in social institutions; 19.5% in healthcare; 17% in education; 7.5% in NGOs

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