Prevention and Early Intervention for Children

“We never give up on any child, despite the complexity of their needs. We also witness key turning points – for example a child making friends for the first time or a parent supporting their child to stay in school,” says Suzanne Connolly, Director of Children’s Services for Barnardos, the leading voluntary organisation in the Republic of Ireland dedicated to working with vulnerable children and families whose well-being has been damaged by consistent poverty.

“International research has proven that we can make a measurable difference in a child’s life if we get in early and put in place services to support a family and give a child the chance of a better future,” she says.

In South Dublin, the Early Years Service is delivering outcomes regarding three- to five-year-old children’s emotional well-being, learning and development. This programme’s evidence-based services respond to social, emotional, behavioural and physical needs.

Barnardos assigns each child a key worker, and they participate in both one-to-one and group work. It also helps parents respond to their child’s needs and provides a more nurturing environment for their families.

In 2007, Barnardos worked intensively with 5,300 children, youth and their families, which was a 10 per cent increase over 2006.