Servizi integrati per i neogenitori

The operationalization of a multi-sector integrated approach to parenting support in the first 1000 days, which is recommended by international organizations and academic centres, needs concrete examples relating to requirements and implementation strategies. The paper describes the experience of the ‘Benvenuti Genitori’ project, entrusted to the Centro per la Salute del Bambino by the Municipality of Perugia. Based on the principles of progressive universalism, prevention and multi-sector involvement, the project includes actions to disseminate coherent information to all new parents and parents-to-be, offers multi-professional training focusing on ECD and nurturing care, strengthens specific services such as psychological support in the prenatal and postnatal periods and to parents with babies admitted in NICUs, and creates spaces for parents to spend quality time with their young children under the guidance of professional educators. The project promotes agreements between education and social services of the Municipality of Perugia, hospital and community health services, and involves a large number of civil society entities. The project is a useful learning experience for the municipalities that would like to engage in a stronger and multi-sector support to parenting.