The Perceptions of Polish Professional Foster Carers and Social Workers Toward Parents With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Role in Family Reintegration Efforts

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis research explored Polish professionals' perceptions of parents with intellectual disabilities and the former's efforts for the latter's reintegration. Semistructured interviews were conducted with two groups: professional social workers (n = 22) and professional foster parents (n = 29). The interview questionnaire comprised questions addressing the professionals' perceptions of parents with disabilities in specific areas of the support process. Data for professionals who clearly exhibited stereotypical beliefs toward intellectual disabilities were excluded. We observed that in the interviews, respondents attempted to provide a credible representation of their own perceptions of parents with intellectual disabilities in the selected areas. Notably, Polish professionals did not consider the special needs and functioning conditions of people with intellectual disabilities. Professionals' statements mainly focused on the parents' weaknesses, effectively diminishing the possibility of a realistic assessment of their strengths and family unification.