Children, including new-borns up until 16 years of age will be screened, with the main aim behind it being to identify any intellectual or physical developmental problems.
On Wednesday, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed as collaboration between the Ministry for Health, Ministry for Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity and the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Parliamentary Secretary for Acting Ageing and Disabled Persons.
The purpose of the screening is a crucial step forward for the development of the child. Screening is conducted by using appropriate instruments under the administration of trained personnel, with the purpose being to determine whether an infant or toddler is suspected of having a disability and therefore in need of early intervention services.
The Collaboration Agreement is one of the proposals of the Government electoral manifest. The agreement will lead to the creation of a national strategy to help identify the screening services for new-borns up to the age of 16. The main aim of the agreement is to recognise the physical, intellectual and psychosocial challenges, as well as to improve education on the subject of screening.
Children’s Rights Minister Michael Falzon expressed that such a collaboration is extremely important step to help children from an early age, which highlights the government’s holistic policy to make children a priority above all else. “We wish to make it our main priority to protect those children including those who are vulnerable.”
“The Ministry has already carried out more than 80% of the electoral manifesto, a clear testament to the work which is being done,” said Falzon.
Education Minister Owen Bonnici stated that the education sector is working hard to ensure that each child is given the same opportunities, so that they can enjoy the most appropriate learning. “Schools are extremely important not simply to be a place to learn but also provide a holistic service which can make a difference in a students’ life.”
Bonnici said that the MOU will serve to enable children to benefit from assessment services and referrals to services not only medical, but also in the educational and social fields.
Secretary Parliamentary for Acting Ageing and Disabled Persons Silvio Parnis said that the strategy is a clear sign that the government wishes to provide the best quality of life for people with a disability.
“With the strength of this strategy, which will also include the Operation Unit of Agenzija Support, will begin screening children to find out from an early stage whether the child has any physical or intellectual difficulties, and which when once found, can be provided the necessary care and help.”