Practical Wisdom in Caring for Children with a Disability in the Czech Republic

This article offers a current view of the problems concerning the social inclusion of families caring for a child with a disability. It draws primarily from Central and East European expert publications and resources. The presented outputs identify the specifications and limits of social work carried out in the public-law social administration system in the Czech Republic, one of those countries in which the transformation of the economic structure and social system has been proceeding since the 1990s. Although the relationship of the majority society towards families with children with a disability in the Czech Republic is heading generally in a positive direction, some risk elements determining the fulfilment of the right to social protection of that vulnerable group of inhabitants remain. Their approach shows risk factors consisting, for example, of low application of integrated forms of support in problem solving in the client's life situation, or in adherence to entrenched bureaucratic procedures that often emasculate the client's position. But if the quality and the impact of social work should support the person in being able to enforce his or her rights and authorized interests, they must respect not only general social needs but particularly his or her individual needs. The tools for preserving and increasing the quality of life of families with children with a disability also include, besides efficient legislative measures, focused education and support for the development of key components of the human values and skills of social workers.