Expanding Support for Families of Children with Developmental Difficulties and Disabilities

Belgrade, 1 June 2026 - More children at risk of developmental delays, children with developmental difficulties and disabilities, and their families across Serbia are receiving timely support through the Family-Centred Early Intervention (FECI) programme, which UNICEF implements in partnership with relevant ministries and other partners.

The programme has expanded to five additional district centres – Bor, Valjevo, Pirot, Užice and Jagodina. At the same time, smaller municipalities in the Nišava, Mačva, Moravica and Raška districts have joined implementation efforts, bringing support closer to families regardless of where they live.

FECI is now being implemented in 20 of Serbia’s 25 districts through multidisciplinary teams comprising professionals from developmental counselling services, primary healthcare centres, preschool institutions, social welfare centres, resource centres and local organisations. Their shared goal is to identify developmental risks as early as possible and ensure that children and families receive timely and coordinated support.

To support the programme’s expansion, training has been provided for newly established FECI teams, alongside peer learning exchanges and collaboration between teams from district centres and smaller municipalities. These activities enable professionals to share experience and strengthen the quality of support provided through developmental counselling services, preschool institutions and home visits.

Growing interest in the programme and increased support from local governments have enabled further investment in professional capacities and the engagement of additional specialists. At the same time, new models of cooperation are being developed between municipalities and districts to ensure that every child and family can access quality support within their local community.

Positive experiences reported by families using early intervention services continue to encourage local decision-makers to strengthen policies, programmes and services for children with developmental difficulties and disabilities. The programme focuses on the strengths of children and families, helping improve children's participation in everyday activities, strengthen their independence and contribute to the well-being of the entire family.

These activities are part of a project implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Belgrade Psychology Centre 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.