Parental involvement in care and support for offspring with intellectual disabilities living in residential care: Shaped by dynamic processes
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Updated: Oct 25, 2026

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Published on: June 6, 2020
Frances R Vereijken1, Andrew Jahoda2, Petri J C M Embregts1
1Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Background:
After offspring with intellectual disabilities move to residential care, parents often remain involved in their support. However, little is known about why parents assume certain roles and what influences these roles.
Method:
An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted using two separate focus groups with fathers (n = 5) and mothers (n = 6). A reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results:
Two themes were identified: (i) my role is shaped by the interplay of needs, wishes, contextual factors, and my sense of parental responsibilities, and (ii) supporting factors for collaboration and parental involvement in care.
Conclusion:
Parental involvement is dynamic, shaped by personal motivations, experiences in collaboration, and the care context. The findings highlight the ongoing negotiation of parental roles and the need to explore how parental involvement can be supported, while ensuring that this involvement recognises and respects the needs and wishes of both parents and their offspring.
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