Outcomes for parents with disabled children: Parent and family support is central to government policy on ensuring the well-being of children. Whilst much is known about the difficulties and challenges parents with a disabled child face, and what parents want for their children, very little is known about how parents want their own lives to be. This report presents findings from research with parents of disabled children about the outcomes they desire for themselves, and their views on the role services can play in helping them achieve those outcomes. Ninety mothers and eighteen fathers across three local authorities participated. Parents’ desired outcomes focused on maintaining or enhancing their personal identity, their physical and emotional well-being, and their skill and knowledge base. They also expressed a desire for a better balance between their caring and parenting roles. In addition to individual outcomes, parents described family-level outcomes including maintaining family life and ensuring the positive adjustment of siblings. Also, parents wanted sufficient practical and financial resources to meet the needs of their disabled child and the rest of their family.
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