Zdenka Šándorová, Jaroslav Myslivec
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The article attempts to answer the questions whether “early care as a social prevention service is effective and justifiable in the social service system” and “why it deserves major attention”.
THEORETICAL BASE: The theoretical background of the article is the early care with an insight into the process of transformation and consolidation of areas of endangered childcare in the Czech Republic. A brief retrospective account and description of current systems in the Czech Republic and abroad were used as further information input resources.
METHODS: To obtain theoretical information, the authors analysed relevant literature and documents. A longitudinal research method was then used to collect the required statistical data. The data was obtained from the existing records at a specific early care provider.
OUTCOMES: The longitudinal research enabled the authors to analyse the data and to evaluate legitimacy and effectiveness of the service provided to a very vulnerable target group: families with a young child with a limited opportunity to socialize as a consequence of a health impairment.
SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The conclusions have key implications in the context of a familyoriented social policy as early care strengthens the individual family´s capacities and significantly supports psychological, social and somatic development of children.
Keywords:
transformation, endangered child, social prevention service, early care, Early Care Centre in Pardubice