Background: As part of an international, multicentre project, the service and support needs of Australian family carers were investigated. Method: A sample of 1,390, 448 family carers completed a self-report survey, including an adaptation of the Family Needs Survey (FNS) and several open-ended questions. A mixed method design was used, employing…

The author suggests three major factors which tend to influence stress on parents and potential marital problems associated with rearing a handicapped child: (1) Support received from family or significant others, (2) Periodic respite care, and (3) Counseling service sought early in the traumatic experience. Cited are studies showing parental…

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…

Sixteen Israeli parents of young adults with mild/moderate mental retardation were offered a transitional training program which involved parent group sessions on future planning and, for the young adults, 16 overnights in a respite care program. Children enhanced their independent living skills; parents stress levels increased; and parents…

This guide, based on a qualitative research study which identified primary stressors in families of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), presents: (1) a summary of the needs of families affected by TBI; and (2) a proposed theoretical intervention model to meet those needs. The first section attempts to describe the present system of…

This longitudinal study inventoried the types of services accessed by a sample of Alberta families of children with or at-risk for disabilities. We explored the role of severity of disability, parental stress, and family income on services accessed. With few exceptions, services were accessed more frequently as the children's lives progressed but…