Examines issues and special problems of older women caring for disabled spouses. Describes a multiservice project designed to provide support and respite for this high-risk group of caregivers. Implications for policy and practice are discussed with recommendations for further study. (RC)

In a program developed at Merrywood School (Bellevue, Washington), four key components were identified as critical to successfully placing disabled children in foster care: identification and recruitment of stable, motivated, and qualified foster parents; preparation of foster parents; support for foster parents' needs; and development of creative…

This article discusses the role of organized religion in providing respite services to families of children with disabilities. Respite programs using church volunteers are seen as an opportunity for new and effective partnerships between secular service systems and the religious community. Model programs are described. (PB)

Background: Parents of children and adolescents with both intellectual disabilities (ID) and psychopathology often experience high levels of parenting stress. To support these parents, information is required regarding the types of support they need and whether their needs are met. Method: In a sample of 745 youths (aged 10-24 years) with moderate…

Examined the utilization patterns of caregivers (N=597) to dementia victims when services were available. Identified and examined factors influencing service utilization, including amount of burden experienced by the caregiver, the degree of involvement in the care of the patient, and the amount of resources available. Respite-oriented services…

The "support not supplant" theory of family support services is explained, and results of a national study of trends in family support are analyzed. Current efforts, state legislation, funding levels, respite services, financial assistance, and emerging issues are discussed. A directory of state family support programs is appended. (PB)

Reanalyzed data from a study on respite care's effects by focusing on the linear relationship between amount of respite use and probability of nursing home placement at the end of the treatment period. Results indicate a significant negative relationship between the amount of respite use and nursing home placement. (RJM)

Purpose: In response to concerns among policymakers and others that increases in the availability of publicly funded formal services will lead to reductions in self- and informal care, this study examines the relationship between the extent of formal in-home care received and levels of self- and informal care. Design and Methods: Two-stage least…

This paper proposes an expansion of respite care for families of handicapped children to include early intervention services and informal social supports. The experiences of the Delaware FIRST Program are described, focusing on using family day care as a respite service, training for family intervention, and emphasizing family-oriented resources.…

This article describes an intervention designed to reduce the guilt of parents, experiencing marital difficulties, who had a child with profound physical and intellectual deficits. Following a formal assessment of their daughter, the emotional climate of the marriage was much improved and they felt more able to cope. (Contains references.) (CR)

Analyses involving 105 biological mothers of children (ages birth to adult) with mild/moderate or severe/profound retardation revealed a low level of use of respite care across groups and no significant difference between groups. The discrepancy between demonstrated need and service utilization is highlighted. (Author/JDD)

Surveyed 244 Michigan agencies providing geriatric information and referral (I&R) to determine service availability, families' needs, and problems providing I&R for persons with dementia and their families. Home-delivered meals, nursing, and social work assessments were considered most available. Medical assessment was considered "very available"…

This study examined effects of resource perceptions and respite use in a theoretical model of adaptation with 72 parents of children with developmental disabilities. Amount and quality of respite services indirectly affected parental depression. Both quality and respite use were related to helpfulness of the parent's social network. The strongest…

This article examines the issue of separation and its impact on military families, including on infants and toddlers. Deployments and unaccompanied tours of duty (temporary assignments and 12-24 month assignments, both without family members, respectively) take military personnel away from their loved ones for extended periods of time. …

A survey of 20 health districts in England identified specialist services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors. Great diversity was found in such services as specialized teams, staffed housing, assessment and short-term admission, and respite care facilities. Entitlement to appropriate treatment was more…