UNDERSTANDING THE PARENTS WHO ARE MENTALLY-RETARDED - GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAMS

This article reviews eight programs in New York State that provide par enting training and direct assistance to parents who are mentally reta rded. Common lessons learned by the programs are discussed and guideli nes are set forth on staffing, family enrollment and retention, servic e provision, and risk-management practices for work with similar clien ts. The families in these programs are briefly profiled, based on data collected on approximately half of the parents and children.