Dobong-gu Launches "Baldal 136" Program to Support Early Detection of Developmental Risks in Infants and Young Children

Tailored Support for Each Stage of Growth Through Early Intervention

Dobong-gu in Seoul (Mayor Oh Eonseok) is promoting the life-cycle customized early intervention program “Baldal 136” for preschool infants and young children.

This program, funded by the district and implemented by the Dobong Disability Welfare Center, aims to identify infants and young children with delayed development or at risk of disability at an early stage and provide continuous support tailored to each stage of growth.

Dobong-style early intervention 'Development 136' project information poster. Provided by Dobong-gu.

The welfare center has established customized support plans based on scientific evidence by comprehensively considering the needs of infants, young children, and their families through case conferences involving multidisciplinary experts.

The program is carried out according to the child’s developmental stage. For infants aged 0 to 36 months, the focus is on early detection and early intervention. For children aged 37 to 60 months, intensive and specialized developmental coordinating and coaching are provided. For preschool children aged 61 months or older who have a disability or are in a high-risk group for disability, long-term support is offered with a view to the transition to school age.

A representative of the welfare center explained, “The core of the program is home-visit rehabilitation services in which experts such as physical therapists, occupational and sensory-integration therapists, and speech therapists visit the home directly,” adding, “By supporting development in the everyday environment most familiar to the child, we can enhance the therapeutic effect and reduce the burden on families.” The welfare center also plans to continue monitoring and feedback even after services are provided, in order to check developmental changes and offer follow-up support when necessary.

Dobong-gu Mayor Oh Eonseok said, “The Baldal 136 program is a new initiative that embodies Dobong-gu’s meticulous welfare philosophy of not missing any stage in a child’s growth process,” and added, “We will establish a stable early intervention system within the community so that infants, young children, and their families can receive the support they need in a timely manner.”