Childhood intervention

The UCD Geary Institute, Dublin have tested a model of childhood intervention, using economic theory, to assess the optimum age at which intervention should occur. The paper finds that although the mantra is that earlier intervention is best as it saves costs later, this is based on assumptions which do not always hold.

Key points:
- The paper makes the point that there has been a rise in early intervention, as shown by the increase in early years state intervention.
- There is a trade off between providing early intervention and potential false identification of need.
- Early intervention is more likely to be of benefit, but it is also more likely to be less accurate than identifying need later.
- There is a need to be fully aware of the costs and effectiveness of intervention, however the latter is difficult to pre-determine.