A new guidebook book to help identify children at risk from potential health and well-being problems has been launched in Bermuda.

The Child Development Programme (CDP) has spent the last two years getting the Red Flags Guidebook approved and into print. The publication is intended as an aid to assist childcare providers in determining if a child requires formal assessment and treatment.

CDP coordinator Sherri-Lee Bucci said assessment and early intervention and support gave children “the best start in life”, enabling them to tackle underlying causes of ill health and poor well-being.

“Early intervention is the best prevention,” she said.

“The most effective interventions are often those that are preventive instead of reactive. Preventive interventions address risk factors likely to result in future problems for particular families, without waiting for those problems to emerge.”

The programme was backed by Junior Minister of Education and Economic Development, Leah Scott, who pointed out that she benefited from CDP support as a parent.

“Bermuda can take great pride in the work that has already been established by this programme and the new guidelines will undoubtedly be an excellent resource and assist with the successful development of our children,” she said.