Parents of 36 autistic children were assessed on child functioning and family stress variables in relation to use of respite care services. Results suggest that parents with more difficult children need and use respite care more than others. Nonusers of respite care reported a higher perception of social support than users. (JDD)

A survey of 124 families with mentally retarded children identified those families who did and did not use respite care services. Families who tended to use respite care were larger, made greater use of professional support services, and had children with more severe handicaps and more serious behavior problems. (Author/JDD)

This paper reports on several projects conducted in Georgia over the past 2 years that move the development of respite care services toward the goal of becoming a "cooperative, collaborative, and coordinated" effort. An overview of respite care in Georgia is provided as well as a summary of strategies used to provide such care. Emerging…

This special issue of a periodical focuses on building support and resources for families of children with special needs. It contains 13 articles in addition to descriptions of 10 programs serving special needs families at the local level, a list of 15 resource organizations and 10 publications/audiovisual aids, and a message from the coalition's…

This study examined provision of services to children with developmental disabilities and their families in the context of requirements of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires family centered services for infants and toddlers. Focus group discussions were held with health professionals at two sites in each of…

This monograph describes Families First, a family-designed system of mental health care for children in Essex County, New York. Philosophical principles of family-driven service delivery are outlined and illustrated with comments from participants. The planning that went into developing the Families First program is described, including initial…

This report describes a model designed to provide family-centered, community-based coordinated services for families and their children with chronic health care needs. The model, which was implemented to serve 208 children over a 5-year period, is based on three key concepts: families should have the choice to receive services in their homes and…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of Partners Plus: Families and Caregivers in Partnerships, a model demonstration project designed to expand respite care options for families of children (birth to 8 years old) with disabilities. The program uses a natural and family-centered model that involves families in the design,…