The Family-Centeredness of Individualized Family Service Plans

Abstract

This study assesses the validity of a rating scale of the family-centeredness of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and describes IFSPs from several types of agencies. One hundred IFSPs from four agency types (home-based early intervention, home-based service coordination, center-based segregated, center-based inclusive) were rated on 21 items grouped into Cohesion, Functionality, and Clarity factors. The IFSP Family-Centeredness Rating Scale was successful in finding differences between agencies. Overall, the highest rated items were identifying the family's role and writing in the active voice. The lowest rated items were integration across disciplines/professionals, specificity, and positiveness. Overwhelmingly more child-related goals were written compared to family-related goals. The importance of family-centered IFSPs is discussed in terms of families' rights and how the document reflects the program's or service provider's philosophy.