Changing Perspective: Workers' Perceptions of Inter-Agency Collaboration With Parents With an Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Families headed by parents with intellectual disabilities usually have multiple agencies involved in their lives. Spath, Werrbach, and Pine (2008) provide an inter-agency collaboration model. Based on this model, this article explores elements of collaboration in 12 cases where positive parental capacity was shown in a validated assessment. Two case workers completed a questionnaire containing 21 questions pertaining to elements of collaboration. Results indicate that elements such as a strong commitment toward families, mutual control in the decision-making process, and regular structured communication are present in cases with positive outcomes, outside of court proceedings.

KEYWORDS:

• child welfare
• organizations/systems
• family preservation