NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
ERIC Number: ED356592
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1993-Jan
Pages: 55
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
"Like an Angel That Came To Help Us": The Origins and Workings of New Hampshire's Family Support Network.
Shoultz, Bonnie
This site visit report describes the development and activities of the New Hampshire Family Support Network for families of people with developmental disabilities, and is based on a review of documents, interviews with key people, and participant observation. It begins with a brief history of family activism in New Hampshire, noting the early high level of cooperation between families and state and local officials. Activities of the Task Force on Family Support, established in 1987, focused on establishing principles of inclusiveness, studying what was needed and what was possible, developing creative proposals, and organizing for change. The Task Force's recommendations resulted in passage of two legislative bills, one establishing the statewide family support network and the other providing interim services for people on waiting lists of area agencies. Implementation has involved development of regional family support plans, appointment of coordinators, and establishment of local family support councils. Issues currently facing the network include incorporating a new concept of family constituency, cost cutting and community support, more permanency planning across agencies, broadening the mandate to include families of people with mental health needs, relationships between councils and area agencies, and self-determination by people with disabilities. Implications for other states are drawn. An appendix briefly describes the report's methodology. (DB)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Inst. on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Syracuse Univ., NY. Center on Human Policy.
Identifiers - Location: New Hampshire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A