IFSP PRACTICES IN 2 STATES - IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study investigated the extent to which indicators of family-cente red services were reflected in a sample of individualized family servi ce plans (IFSPs) collected in Colorado and Iowa during their fifth yea r of Part H implementation. Seventy-eight IFSPs were reviewed using co ntent analysis procedures. The IFSP content analysis included the foll owing family-centered indicators: use of professional versus lay langu age, use of a family-or child-centered orientation, use of interagency or informal supports, and degree of match between expressed concerns and outcomes. Results indicated that the IFSPs were primarily child fo cused, and outcome statements typically were written as behavioral obj ectives to maximize the child's development. Implications for early in tervention practices are discussed relative to personnel and parent tr aining, service providers' concerns about compliance issues interferin g with family-centered practices, and the relative uniqueness of the I FSP process itself.