On 28 September 2023, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina addressed the participants of the consultation entitled Zgodaj ni prepozno organised by the Special Education Association of Slovenia in Volčja Draga. The participants devoted their attention to the implementation of the Act regulating the integrated early treatment of children with special needs and risk factors.

In his address, the Ombudsman emphasised the importance of early treatment which can, if available and accessible, enable the appropriate development of a child’s given abilities and ease the consequences of deficiencies. “Early treatment enables a child to achieve the highest level of independence, which is the goal for the maturing of every person. It is essential that the needs of children are recognised early enough and that experts who can help their development are available,” added Ombudsman Svetina. An important part of the skill development of a child with special needs is also the training of family members in how to handle the child’s special needs with the purpose to minimise obstacles for a healthy development. “Early treatment can significantly contribute to social inclusion not only of children with special needs but also of their families, which increases their quality of life. An inclusive society should be the main goal of all of us and special attention should be given to it by those who hold all the cards,” said Ombudsman Svetina in his opening address to the consultation.