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Reform Support

Supporting reforms to strengthen labour markets and social protection systems

Funding Programme
Year
  • 2021

Reform of the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) framework for children with disabilities in Greece

The European Commission supported the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs in developing a modern, evidence-based methodology for service providers for children with disabilities in Greece and an Action Plan for a legislative and financial framework for family-centered Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services.

Context

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programmes and services are designed to support young children (aged 0-6) who are at risk of, or have been identified as, having disabilities or development delays, as well as their families. The components of an ECI system are present in Greece, but not structured in an integrated way. The available services for children with disabilities and their families are delivered by both the public and private sectors in the areas of health, social welfare and education. However, the dominant approach is limited to a medical perspective focusing on children’s weaknesses rather than building on their strengths and supporting the family through community resources. Some providers offer high-quality services and employ qualified staff, but the lack of a framework generates confusion on what an ECI system entails for both providers and families and does not ensure consistent quality of support across the country. 

Against this background, Greece wants to proceed with the development of an efficient and comprehensive ECI framework, on the basis of a multidisciplinary approach, as part of the National Action Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Support delivered

The technical support was delivered through an analysis of needs and gaps in the field of ECI in Greece, laying the groundwork for a shared understanding of what ECI is among key stakeholders. The review of European good practice examples in ECI from inspired the development of adapted training methodologies for Greek service providers, which were piloted for a year, to bring a change in mindset and practice, empowering primary caregivers to better support their children within the con­text of their everyday lives and established routines. The project also provided an Action Plan with concrete steps and processes on establishing a sustainable and holistic legislative and financial framework that supports family-centred ECI in Greece. The support also included information and awareness-raising activities targeted, among others, at public authorities, assessment services, medical staff, and families with the aim to disseminate project outcomes but also to communicate on the paradigm shift from a therapy and centre-based approach towards a holistic, family-centred ECI model.

Results achieved

Through this project, Greek authorities were equipped to introduce an Early Childhood Intervention system, through a large-scale pilot funded from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The expected long-term effect of this project is to improve the early identification of challenges of children who are at risk of, or have been identified as, having development delays, ensure adequate access to support, and coordination of families and community resources that can significantly increase their capabilities and wellbeing.   

Useful links

Eci Greece website

More about the project

You can read the documents related to the project here: