Types of Family  Nuclear Family  Extended Family  Single-parent Family  Reconstituted Family

Characteristics of Contemporary American Families  Diversity is the norm  Marrying, having children later  Higher divorce rates  More single-parent families  More remarriages/ reconstituted families  More births to single moms/ decline in birth rate  Higher family incomes

Family Systems Perspective  Not child-focused  All members are equally important

Components of family- centered practice  Focus on family  Emphasis on mutual respect and teamwork  Organize assistant to individual family needs  Consider family strengths, talents, resources, attributes and aspirations  Address family needs holistically (all members)  Give families information in supportive manner  Recognize that there are typical family reactions  Deliver services without disrupting family integrity and routine

Reactions to Raising a Child with a Disability  Confronting Phase  Shock  Denial  Anxiety  Guilt  Adjusting Phase  Depression  Anger  Acceptance  Adapting Phase  Life-cycle changes  Realistic planning  Adjusting expectations

Strategies to promote Family Empowerment  Involve families in planning  Personalize contacts between helpers and families  Networking with other families  Child-care and transportation  Offer variety of activities  Focus on prevention of risk factors  Advocate for collaborative community services

Collaborative Teaming  Common goal or set of goals to which all parties agree  Agreement on strategies for achieving each goal  Commitment to meaningful interactions, individual skill development, and task completion  Commitment to positive interdependence  Commitment to system of decision making and accountability