IMPLEMENTATION OF FAMILY-CENTERED SERVICES - PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILIES AND PROFESSIONALS

This study investigated the meaning of family-centered intervention and the extent to which it is being implemented from the perspectives of both professionals and families who participated in developing IFSPs. Practice indicators reflecting three principles of family-centered intervention were developed to evaluate current practices. Findings from semi-structured interviews indicated that professionals have an understanding of the change in focus from child to family; however there is some incongruence between family-centered attitudes and actual practice. Although families expressed overall satisfaction with services they were receiving, some professionals were clearly more family-centered than others in their practice. Implications for the development of practices to support the family-centered intent of IDEA, Part H, are discussed.