1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«A report from Statistics Canada (2001) revealed that up to 69% of parents of children with severe disabilities do not receive sufficient support. Within this context, the need to identify appropriate services is growing. Identification of the distinctive types of support and their overall effectiveness is essential to promote existing services and to implement new resources for families. The aim of the present study is to operationalize and present unified definitions for the different types of support.» (p. 272)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Les données sont issues de la documentation provenant d’organismes offrant du soutien aux parents ayant un enfant avec des limitations (physiques ou intellectuelles). Les organismes provenaient de 3 provinces canadiennes (Québec, Ontario et Alberta) et de six pays industrialisés (Australie, Belgique, France, Danemark, Suède et Suisse). Des entrevues téléphoniques ont également été faites avec plusieurs représentants (nombre indéterminé) des organismes québécois.

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«The present research contributes to a growing literature suggesting that support strategies intended for families of children with disabilities are an important element within the adaptation process. In this context, a typology was developed to define types of support and to facilitate a systematic classification of the different services available. The lack of any agreed common definition of support provided to families of children with disabilities was a problem when trying to identify and compare the extent of each type. The present study helps to characterize the development of knowledge about services designed to support these families. The findings suggest that these services should be offered in different ways and at strategic times during the family cycle. Overall, the typology could have positive outcomes for families by providing a guide for the selection of appropriate services. Therefore, it is critical to understand and effectively address the organization of support services. A future research could evaluate the possibility of using this typology for any group needing support, regardless of its age or situation. Further studies are necessary to meet this suggestion and to evaluate the efficacy of support services on the well-being of families.» (p. 279-280)