Area of Science:

• Pediatric audiology
• Early intervention services
• Public health programs

Background:

• The national screening program for permanent neonatal deafness, established in 2014, has significantly altered the care pathway for Deaf children.
• Early detection and intervention facilitate language development and expedite referrals to specialized services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate professional practices within the Family Support and Early Education Services of the Loire (Safep 42).
• To assess mediations and the "educational garden" framework in response to epidemiological and technological shifts, including cochlear implantation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating data from activity reports, observations, and interviews.
• Professional practices were evaluated through experience capture and direct assessment.

Main Results:

• A reduced age of entry into services, attributed to early detection, was observed.
• An increased age of exit, linked to co-occurring disorders and complexity, necessitated service adaptation, including new mediations and continued support for older children.
• Safep 42 is operating at maximum capacity, facing speech therapist shortages and a rise in complex cases, leading to task prioritization.

Conclusions:

• Rehabilitation and family support programs are associated with extended care durations for children.
• This extended care duration necessitates acknowledgment and recording by funding authorities.