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The role of formal support in the lives of children of mothers with intellectual disability
Author(s) -
Collings Susan,
Grace Rebekah,
Llewellyn Gwynnyth
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12361
Subject(s) - disadvantage , intellectual disability , psychology , social support , developmental psychology , socioeconomic status , face (sociological concept) , isolation (microbiology) , social isolation , social psychology , sociology , political science , population , psychiatry , social science , demography , microbiology and biotechnology , law , biology
Background Mothers with intellectual disability face socioeconomic disadvantage and social isolation, which is associated with poorer child outcomes. Social services feature prominently in the lives of mothers with intellectual disability especially those without informal support; however, the role of formal support in the lives of their children has not been explored. Methods Seven children aged 7–11 years took part in semi‐structured interviews to explore their social experiences. Stories about interactions at home, school and with peers were analysed to illuminate influences, including social support, in their lives. Results Formal support can provide an enduring relationship for children from socially restricted homes when it focuses on the child's abilities, interests and needs as distinct from those of their mother. Child‐focused support can be from a paid worker or volunteer. Conclusions Family support services need to apply a child focus to improve the well‐being of children in vulnerable families.