To mark Universal Children’s Rights Day, the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association (OPP) announced that investing in parenting skills promotion programs can yield a return of six to 16 euros for every euro invested, while child abuse prevention programs ensure a return of seven euros per euro invested.
The OPP further explained that “the first 1,000 days include the approximately 270 days of pregnancy and the 730 days after birth,” a period in which the fundamental bases of physical and psychological health, cognitive development, and socio-emotional development are established, influencing the ability to learn, form healthy relationships, integrate into the community, and thrive personally and professionally.
The OPP highlighted that public policies targeting this life cycle phase “contribute, directly and indirectly, to the development of human capital and to sustained social and economic growth.”
The association presented public policy recommendations, including integrating psychological and social assessment as a mandatory component of pre and postnatal consultations and ensuring a ratio of one psychologist per 5,000 users in the National Health Service (SNS).
Strengthening primary healthcare and pediatrics and obstetrics services, along with increasing the number of psychologists to reduce bureaucracy in families’ access to the system, are other recommendations.
The OPP cited estimates for the UK and Brazil, demonstrating that the economic costs of psychological health problems during pregnancy could amount to 7.7 billion euros and 4.6 billion euros, respectively.
The OPP also emphasized that global estimates suggest that 48% of children have an insecure attachment relationship with their caregivers, potentially facing repeated experiences of rejection, neglect of needs, or inconsistent care.
Other recommendations include a reform prioritizing child development, with fully paid parental leave for at least six months, the possibility of reducing working hours until the child is three years old, and universal access to high-quality daycare centers.
“Studies have shown that access to high-quality daycare is one of the most cost-effective policies, as investment in early development stages enhances the impact of future investments, promoting various lasting skills throughout the life cycle,” the association added.
The OPP also advocates full subsidies for essential fetal and child development supplements, reducing VAT on essential products for early years, and creating integrated family support services aligning health, education, and social support.
