Shaping Tomorrow: How Early Intervention is Changing Lives Today

CDI, Tusla, and ABC share groundbreaking results at the Shaping Futures Conference 2024

The Childhood Development Initiative (CDI), in partnership with Tusla and the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme, hosted the Shaping Futures: Prevention and Early Intervention Conference on 17th October 2024. Held at the Aisling Hotel in Dublin 8, the event coincided with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, reinforcing the organisations’ commitment to tackling child poverty and shaping a brighter future for Ireland’s children.

Sharing Evidence and Insights on Early Intervention

CDI is one of twelve sites delivering the National Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme. The conference served as a crucial platform to present and discuss the findings of the ABC Outcomes Framework, which measures the impact of prevention and early intervention strategies across Ireland. Attendees included professionals from diverse fields, eager to explore the positive outcomes achieved through early intervention within the 12 ABC areas.

Key findings shared at the conference include:

Wellbeing: Significant improvements in parental mental health were observed, with scores rising after various interventions.
Parenting Confidence: Parents reported greater competency and confidence, particularly in areas such as play, boundary-setting, and knowledge.
Engagement in Learning: Parental involvement in children’s learning improved, especially in short-term interventions.
Child Development: Speech and language interventions were particularly successful, with 63% of children reaching age-appropriate abilities after the intervention, compared to just 14.9% before.
Literacy: Programmes aimed at improving literacy saw 85% of children enhancing their reading skills and 88% improving in writing.
Socio-Emotional Wellbeing: Universal interventions led to significant improvements in children’s emotional regulation, prosocial behaviours, and peer relationships, bringing many in line with national norms.

Leadership in Prevention and Early Intervention

The event featured key figures in the field, including Katherine Harford, Chair of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network, who emphasised the importance of early intervention:

“These findings not only demonstrate positive change for the hundreds of children and families we work with but highlight the critical importance of early intervention.” Katherine Harford

“Tusla remains committed to supporting prevention and family support services, knowing that early intervention provides children and families with the best chance of improved outcomes and fulfilled lives.” Pat Rabbitte, Chair of the Tusla Board of Management

The Future of Research and Action

The conference also looked to the future, with Katherine Zappone, Visiting Research Fellow at the WiSE Centre for Economic Justice, stressing the importance of a collective approach to research:

“As we look ahead, this era of collective research will bring us closer to a time when no child in Ireland lives in poor conditions, and every child’s future is bright.” Katherine Zappone

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact

This year marks a decade of delivering Prevention and Early Intervention services for children in Ireland, and the success of the Shaping Futures Conference highlights the significant strides made in improving outcomes for children in low-income and one-parent households.

Funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s What Works initiative, the event was attended by ABC staff, researchers, and stakeholders, all committed to continuing the important work of supporting children and families in need.

Photos by Conor Healy / Picture it Photography, and CDI.