Related Experiment Videos
Providing family support through community guides
Lyle T Romer1, Mary L Richardson, Debbie Nahom
1Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Disability Policy and Research, Department of Health Services, 146 N. Canal St., Suite 313, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98103, USA. edpr@u.washington.edu
Mental Retardation
|May 23, 2002
Summary
Community guides in Washington
Area of Science:
- Family support services
- Community resource navigation
Background:
- The Family Support Opportunities program in Washington state offers a unique support system.
- This program utilizes community guides with deep local knowledge to assist enrolled families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of community guide services on families participating in the Family Support Opportunities program.
- To understand how community guide assistance influences family outcomes and satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 312 families enrolled in the program.
- Data analysis focused on the relationship between family satisfaction with community guides and reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- Family satisfaction with community guides was positively associated with needs being met.
- Higher satisfaction correlated with increased satisfaction with the Family Support Opportunities program.
- Community guide services were linked to improved family connections within their local communities.
Conclusions:
- The presence and effectiveness of community guides significantly enhance family support program outcomes.
- Community guides play a vital role in connecting families to resources and fostering community integration.
- Investing in community guide services can lead to greater family well-being and program efficacy.