Programme at The Child Development Programme. Children referred to Portage have experienced developmental delays and special needs between the ages of birth to four years.

"We are currently servicing 45-50 children and we try to help families make adjustments to living with a delayed and/or special needs child,'' said Ms Manders, the unit's supervisor.

The philosophy behind this group is mostly family driven and it is a free service. They do mostly home visits one hour per week to assess delays and special needs. Ms Manders advised the three main areas for concern are: Speech and Language problems.

Physical Therapy which is referred to Health Department.

Occupational Therapy is referred to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Ms Manders said: "We think our role includes the following: P for partnership with families.

O for providing ongoing support.

R for respecting family values.

T for Together and purpose with family.

A for Advocating for change and opportunity.

G for Setting goals to achieve family dreams.

E for Committed to excellent service.'' The group explained they make every effort to provide good coordination of service and try to keep as much of the programme as possible under one roof.