Family-centered practices in home-based support for families with children with an intellectual disability: Judgments of parents and professionals

Abstract

Background: The realization of the family-centered approach (FCA) in home-based support (HBS) for families with children with an intellectual disability (ID) in Flanders was investigated, and parents’ and family workers’ perspectives were compared. The relation between parents’ educational level, the family worker’s education, and his/her experience in HBS; and parents’ and family workers’ judgments on the realization of the FCA was considered. Method: Parents ( N = 58 families) and family workers ( N = 46) completed the helpgiving practices scale and the enabling practices scale. Results: The FCA was largely present, parents rated its realization higher than family workers. Considering family workers’ answers, parents’ educational level appeared an important factor for parental autonomy. Conclusions: The study confirms recent research on the realization of the FCA. Including different perspectives, a nuanced view on the realization of the FCA was obtained. Further research on the concrete meaning, interpretation, and elaboration of the FCA is needed.