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

This study investigated the meaning of family-centered intervention an d 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 in tervention were developed to evaluate current practices. Findings from semi-structured interviews indicated that professionals have an under standing of the change in focus from child to family; however there is some incongruence between family-centered attitudes and actual practi ce. Although families expressed overall satisfaction with services the y were receiving, some professionals were clearly more family-centered than others in their practice. Implications for the development of pr actices to support the family-centered intent of IDEA, Part H, are dis cussed.