A Better Start for Every Child

Vrnjačka Banja, 11–12 May 2026 – Representatives of local governments and professionals involved in implementing the Family-Centred Early Intervention (FECI) programme gathered in Vrnjačka Banja to exchange experiences, discuss results and address challenges in supporting children at risk of developmental delays and children with developmental disabilities, as well as their families.

Through the partnership between UNICEF and the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM), intersectoral cooperation, strategic planning and budgeting for measures supporting early childhood development and parenting have been strengthened in 18 local governments across Serbia.

A total of 38 measures to strengthen Family-Centred Early Intervention (FECI) services, valued at RSD 18.8 million, have been included in local plans and budgets. These measures cover activities in education, health and social welfare, including raising awareness among families, strengthening human and material resources, establishing parent support groups for families of children with developmental disabilities, parenting schools and early childhood development counselling services.

During the workshop, participants formulated recommendations for further strengthening support for children and families. They highlighted the importance of ensuring that services are tailored to the individual needs of each child and family, with clearly defined roles for all professionals involved in the support process. Participants also stressed the value of sharing experiences among local governments, continuously strengthening professional capacities and further developing the regulatory framework to ensure the sustainability and quality of FECI services.

FECI teams across Serbia have so far supported more than 9,000 families of children at risk of developmental delays and children with developmental disabilities through early developmental assessments and coordinated services integrated across the health, education and social welfare systems. Of these, 112 families received intensive support, including home visits. Thanks to these efforts, early intervention services for children with developmental difficulties and disabilities are now available in 80 per cent of districts across Serbia.

These activities are part of a project implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities within the PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature programme, jointly implemented by UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and financial assistance from the Government of Switzerland.