The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity said today that the Government of the Azores, through Social Welfare services, "wants to be always at the side of families." In this context, several programmes have been developed in the area of Parental Education. These programmes are addressed at parents with children aged between 2 and 13. They provide social and education support to promote "positive parenting," which will improve the bonds between parents and children."

Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Days of Early Childhood Intervention in Ponta Delgada, Piedade Lalanda stressed the "great relevance" of the Parental Education project, especially when addressed at the parents of children with educational needs.

In this regard, the Regional Secretary revealed that the Azorean Government wants to extend these support measures to more families and municipalities. Being an initiative focused on early intervention, "Mais Família, Mais Criança" will be promoted in Ponta Delgada, starting on April 8.

"Taking into consideration that early intervention has a comprehensive effect in a family context, the sharing of good practices and experiences under this parental education programme will certainly be an asset in supporting children and families. It contributes to the healthy and happy development of all family members," said Piedade Lalanda. The government official added that early intervention "is a priority area" for the Azorean Government.

As an "an integrated action, this intervention addresses disabilities issues not only in the defence of children's rights, but also in the defence of human rights."

"The sooner the limitations or difficulties are identified and strategies are defined, taking into account each child and its family, the sooner we will be able to prevent of worsening of difficulties. Hence, this strategy will ensure the successful development of children with disabilities," said the government official, who "stressed that the early years are crucial for this type of intervention."

"We cannot waste time and, in this context, early intervention is vital in the first three years of life, before children start preschool," underlined Piedade Lalanda. With regard to priority goals for this area, the Regional Secretary added that the Government aims "to promote and ensure the balanced development of all children in all Azorean municipalities."

Piedade Lalanda pointed out that "children have the right of living in a structured family and of being supported and nurtured by positive affective bonds that support their success as people, either at home or at school, the relationships with other people and the promotion of effective social inclusion in the future."