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	Political parties are being called on the make the care of children, and early intervention programmes, a priority for the next government.</p>
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	An event is taking place in Dublin this afternoon around the issue, with representatives from all political parties taking part.</p>
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	The &quot;Hands up for Children&quot; campaign, consisting of 42 groups working in the children&#39;s and social sectors, wants state funding for the ABC early intervention programme to be doubled.</p>
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	It provides speech and language therapy, literacy, parenting skills and social supports to communities most in need.</p>
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	&quot;We have come to understand &hellip; that the earlier you intervene when there&#39;s a diffiulcty, the better the outcome,&quot; said Marian Quinn, Chair of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network.</p>
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	&quot;We are in the run-up to a general election, and we wantt to ensure that outcomes for children are centre-stage in the next programme for government.&quot;</p>
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	She said services were far too often dictated by a crisis rather then prevention at an early stage, and that is a key area the group wants to address.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/childrens-groups-call-on-all-parties-to-agree-new-intervention-plan-683456.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/childrens-groups-call-on-all-parties-to-agree-new-intervention-plan-683456.html</a></p>
