The Involvement of Parents with Their Intellectually Hanidicapped Children in Institutions

Abstract

A study was made of the involvement of parents with their intellectually handicapped children living in New South Wiiles institutions. Questionnaires were distributed. and replies were received from 10 administrators of residential institutions, 9 staff members of a selected institution, and the parents of 48 of the children living at this institution. It was found that the extent of parental involvement varied greatly among institutions, and that this involvement took many forms. A significant relationship was found between distance of parental home from institution and frequency of parent-child contact, but not between frequency of parent-child contact and the variables of child age or level of retardation of the child. Most respondents believed that parental involvement was beneficial to child. parents and staff and was therefore worthy of encouragement. Possible areas for improvement in parental involvement are discussed.