Service Delivery to Parents with an Intellectual Disability: Family‐Centred or Professionally Centred?

Abstract

Background Studies support the use of family‐centred practices in service delivery to families where a parent has an intellectual disability. This paper examines the importance of such practices to parents. Materials and Methods Interview responses from 32 parents with intellectual disability were coded by two independent raters as reflecting family‐centred or professionally centred practice. Responses reflecting family‐centred practice were then coded as ‘relational’ or ‘participatory’ helpgiving. Results Service characteristics considered helpful by parents were more likely to be rated as family‐centred practice than professionally centred practice. Family‐centred practices considered helpful were more likely to be coded participatory than relational helpgiving. Conclusions The results support the conclusion that parents find family‐centred practices more helpful than professionally centred practices, and participatory helpgiving more helpful than relational helpgiving. The findings are discussed in relation to the tendency for an ‘implementation lag’ in service delivery to families.

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