Literature Review on Provision of Appropriate and Accessible ...

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Tarleton et al.’s study looked at the role of extended families in providing
support to parents with intellectual disability (2006). A national survey of
adults with learning difficulties in England (Emerson et al., 2005) found
that 58 per cent of the parents with learning difficulties, who still had
their children living with them, were themselves living either with their
own parents (15%) or other relatives (43%).
Support to People with an Intellectual Disability who are
Accessible
and Appropriate of Provision on <strong>Review</strong> <strong>Literature</strong>
Experiencing Crisis Pregnancy
Some professionals in this study mentioned instances where interested
families had not been informed when major decisions were made
about children, including cases of abortion and adoption (Tarleton et
al., 2006). Elsewhere, the involvement of extended families was often
inhibited by the lack of family members living locally. Good practice
was identified where the involvement of the wider family is supportive
or ‘protective’ (Barlow, 1999) and where the parent can retain control.
Research has indicated that in some cases, families can sometimes
‘take over’ or undermine professionals’ relationship with parents with
intellectual disability (Tarleton et al., 2006). Professionals reported trying
to maintain a careful balance between keeping parents with intellectual
disability’s needs paramount, while also involving family members where
appropriate and understanding the issues from their perspective.
Tarleton et al.’s research identified a number of strategies for involving
extended families, including:
• Spending the time needed to develop the trust of extended
families.
• Observing and listening carefully, to understand the particular
roles of individual family members.
• Explaining to family members the support provided to parents
and the child protection system, ensuring particularly that family
members understand that within judicial proceedings normal
confidentiality rules do not apply.
• Keeping families informed of developments (with the consent of
the parents with intellectual disability) by having meetings with
the parents and the family together, where appropriate.