A 2-week training programme is currently underway in Latvia to strengthen support for the families of children with developmental delays or disorders. The training is organized by the WHO Country Office in Latvia with support from WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It is conducted in collaboration with Latvia’s Ministry of Health and the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. The programme includes one week of online sessions from 2–6 June followed by in-person training in Riga from 9–14 June.
The initiative is designed to equip 30 professionals from across the country with tools and knowledge to guide parents in supporting their children’s development in everyday home environments.
Supporting early development through everyday routines
As in many other countries, the families of children with developmental delays or disorders may struggle to find the right support, which also affects families displaced from Ukraine. Many children experience developmental challenges in areas such as speech, learning and cognitive skills. Early, targeted support – especially within a child’s home environment – can help address these challenges effectively.
This training introduces participants to the WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) programme, an evidence-based approach that helps parents use play and daily routines to build their child’s communication, behaviour and life skills. CST also supports the well-being of caregivers and strengthens overall family functioning.
The training is delivered by 3 experienced WHO trainers. Training participants include psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, educators and other specialists who work directly with children and families.
During the in-person phase, 24 families with children who have developmental delays or disorders will take part in practical sessions alongside the professionals, bringing the training content into real-life settings.
Inclusive support for Latvian and refugee families
The CST approach is especially relevant for families across Latvia, including Ukrainian families who have sought refuge in the country. The programme is designed to be low-resource, flexible and accessible, making it suitable for diverse communities.
A step toward stronger early intervention services
Latvia is among the first countries in the WHO European Region to begin adapting and implementing CST. With training materials translated and adapted to the national context by the Latvian Autism Association, the country is laying the groundwork for more consistent and accessible early intervention services.
Once the training concludes, Latvia will have a skilled network of professionals ready to support families and train others – contributing to a sustainable, family-centred model of care for children with developmental needs.
WHO is working with the European Union (EU) and IOM to support countries in improving access to health-care services for refugees and displaced people from Ukraine. The project, titled “Improving access to health care for refugees and people displaced from Ukraine benefiting from temporary protection in EU Member States”, is funded by the EU as part of the 2023 EU4Health Work Programme. It is being implemented from 2023 to 2025 in 10 European countries: Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of Moldova, Romania and Slovakia.