Family Work and Families with Children with Disabilities

As the deinstutionalization process sees more children with disabilities placed at home with their families, families are experiencing burdens and stress in their continuing care lifestyle.

This paper presents a generic model of family assessment derived from the structural approach to family therapy. It also draws upon the accumulated knowledge base concerning effects on family of a child with a disability which has developed over the past twenty years. Skill and knowledge are then combined in the presentation of a case example which demonstrates family assessment in a family with a child with a disability. The technique of family sculpting as it was used during the assessment is presented.

This paper supports the development and assertive provision of family work services to families who can be identified as potential high stress families simply by virtue of having a child with a disability at home.