Intervention programs are programs whose purpose is to help take control of a problem while it is still in its infancy. They are designed to try to achieve results at the earliest available opportunity. There are many forms of intervention programs some meant for young children, others for teenagers, male or female addicts and offenders.
An example of an exemplary intervention program is the Early Intervention Program meant for children with disabilities and how they and their families can be assisted in coping with the hardships that come with disability. Most of the kids in this intervention program are under 3 years old and have a development delay or a known physical disability.
The developmental delay may be physical, communicative, behavioral or emotional. The program strives to offer assistance to the children’s parents through support groups, home visits, physiotherapy, and audio and speech therapy. Advice is offered on nutrition, nursing services and any technological assistance that may help alleviate the child’s condition.
The goal of this intervention program is to identify the problems with the children early enough and evaluate the options available to help optimize the development of the infant, however compromised his or her chances are. It also helps parents identify the condition of their children early so as to take steps early to give the child the best chances of making significant progress, even full recovery.
Many of these intervention programs, more so the Early Intervention programs, are state-funded, usually under the Department of Health. This ensures that the intervention program is carried out in the fullest and best possible way and that the chances of improving delayed development in a child are not compromised due to financial constraints.
The program helps educate and sensitize parents as to what is wrong with their child and what might be the best way forward in treating, or at least alleviating the symptoms associated with the condition. The parents are guided on how to best take care of the child, how to cope emotionally with the stress associated with taking care of a child with disability and the signs that show whether their child is making progress or not. The program may be home-based, center–based or a combination of the two.
Most of these intervention programs are well-equipped to treat these conditions, be it through drugs, therapy, information or even research facilities. They help families of children with special needs to see much more in the child than the disability or slow development and help fight the stigma from within. It helps the family accept the child as he or she is, and focus on the child’s other abilities.
These programs help improve the attitudes of the family and the community at large, making them aware of the condition and helping them play a part in helping the child. It helps the child grow to be less dependent on society, learn life skills and be eligible for school and a job later on. Early intervention will reap maximum benefits.
