Informal and Formal Community Supports for Parents: A ...

Informal and Formal Community Supports for Parents: A Pilot Study To Assess

Information Sharing in Connecticut Schools

Kathryn Min, Nationally Certified School Psychologist A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental

Disabilities Education, Research and Service

Parent Community Supports

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters

compared to what lies within us" (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Parents of children with special needs are resilient, strong, persistent and steadfast advocates for their children

They are the experts that guide policy makers, advocates, and all service providers in their practice

As resilient as parents are, parenting children with special needs presents challenges that may challenge parents' resiliency and self-efficacy

Mothers of children with special needs often experience increased stress related to caring for their child that can have a significant impact on a parent's psychological well being

(Hendriks, DeMoor, Oud, & Savelberg, 2000; Lessenberry & Rehfeldt, 2004; Rowlands, 2005; Smith, Oliver, & Innocenti, 2001).

Parent Community Supports

It is well documented that family context is highly influential on child development and outcome (Bruder, 2000; Dunst, 1999).

High levels of parent stress may adversely impact the child with a disability and place the family at risk for family maladjustment (Plant &

Sanders, 2007; Havens, 2005).

Lower levels of parenting stress may serve as a protective factor on the social-emotional health of children and directly influence healthy child adjustment (Raikes & Thompson, 2005).

Informal and formal supports in the community can help parents maintain their resiliency

It is imperative for parents to be aware of the informal and formal supports that are available to them in the community

To complement parents' knowledge, schools can also be a resource to parents and share information about the available supports

Background

Informal Supports Defined

Consists of family, faith, & friends Example: Community parent support groups run by parents

for parents

Parent Reports: Significant long-term alleviant of stress!

when in crisis, families seek out social networking supports these are the supports that are sustained long term the act of sharing experiences is comforting

Formal Supports Defined

Provided by organized networks Examples: parent education, parent matching programs

behavioral training, therapy, respite care services

**Together, these supports help reduce parent stress, increase coping and foster better child outcomes!

Informal and Formal Parent Supports for Optimal Child Development

School Supports

Child

Parent Supports

Community Supports

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