engleski

What user’s experiences tell us about implementation of various conventions and declarations

To analyze the main characteristics/differences of community based services provided for families of children with intellectual/multiple disabilities in ten Croatian regions. Method: Seventy case studies of families with a disabled child were analyzed using questionnaire data on demographics, early child development, profile of the services provided and parent’s perception of professional support. Basic statistical parameters were obtained and compared. Results: Optimal early diagnostic and medical service is provided mainly in county capitals but adequate multidisciplinary assessment only in Zagreb. However, parents complained about the variety in community based services, the lack of resources for person centered planning and the level of support provided. Conclusion: Experiences and parents’ perception of support provided in their local communities show that adequate care in Croatia is still very centralized and services and support provided in local communities depend on individual initiatives (mainly parental than professional).

community based services ; intellectually disabeld children ; family's perception of support

DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2010.00597_2.x