Developing a person-centred support service for families caring for children with severe learning disabilities in...

The article describes an innovative, person-centred service provided to families who had a child or teenager with severe learning (intellectual) disabilities. It was delivered in three areas within Northern Ireland: two urban and one rural. The service promoted the social inclusion of young people in volunteer-run community activities, based around a person-centred plan developed with the child's family. A three-year formative evaluation of the service was undertaken (2006-2008) via interviews and focus groups with parents (N = 48), young people (N = 19), volunteers (N = 7), community workers (N = 4) and referring social services staff (N = 14). The service was successfully implemented in all three areas. In particular, it helped parents to clarify their individual support needs and engaged their child in ordinary community activities. The distinctive features of the service and the changed ethos it represents are discussed.