The delay in the placing of psychologists in schools is worrying the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP). The entity which regulates these professionals fears a reduction in the support and identification of students with special educational needs, resulting in a set back in the struggle against lack of success in schools and drop outs and an increase in bullying and violence in schools. The lack of appropriate school guidance may also lead to an increase in economic costs of the education system.

According to the Order, hundreds of psychologists integrated in the timely modalities of placements and who carry out duties in the struggle against lack of success in schools, in supporting students with special educational needs, in vocational and professional guidance, in psychological support and accompaniment, in cognitive and socio-emotional development, are in this situation.

These professionals are frequently placed temporarily in permanent psychological services, thereby covering the need for permanent psychology services in schools in this manner. The instability and delay in the placement prevents the fixing of many professionals and prevents them from starting their work together with the other professionals within the school community.

This situation leads to a cancellation of the interventions planning phase and in the loss of opportunity to make the most of education, social and economic benefits of a timely psychological intervention in the various areas already mentioned.

The Ordem dos Psicólogos (OPP) is paying special attention to the commitment of the Secretary of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Isabel Leite, who ensured the continuity of psychologists who provide services in the area of Special Educational Needs, and also the maintenance of psychologists integrated in the Educational Territories of Priority Intervention which are registering good results.