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The Characteristics of Children with a Disability Looked After away from Home and their Future Service Needs
Published in:
British Journal of Social Work, Vol: 34, Page: 561-576,Oxford Univ Press
Publication Date:
2004
Aims & Objectives:
The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of children with disabilities who meet the British legal definition of 'looked after' children
Abstract:
Little is known about the characteristics of children with disabilities who meet the British legal definition of 'looked after' children. Data were obtained on 108 such children living within one geographical area in Northern Ireland and who spent 90 days or more in a 12-month period living away from the family home. However, this figure may under-estimate the numbers, given the difficulties in tracking children aged over 14 years who were admitted to hospitals on a short- or long-term basis. The median age of the children was 14 years; most had learning disabilities allied with challenging behaviours, communication difficulties, autism and some were technologically dependent. Many of their families experienced a range of problems. One-third of the children were accommodated in various residential settings but half of these placements were in hospital or adult residential accommodation. However, there were marked differences in the services provided to this client group by the four provider agencies. Future service needs included increased respite breaks for families and the provision of both more residential placements and more appropriate accommodation, especially for teenagers. The dilemmas in reconciling the need for local, but specialized, service provision are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved) (from the journal abstract)
Authors:
Study Type:
Study Papers » Case Study » Descriptive Studies - Without a comparision
Notes:
0045-3102 1468-263X Accession Number: 2004-15524-003. First Author & Affiliation: McConkey, Roy; University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. Other Journal Title: British Journal of Social Work. Release Date: 20060206. Publication Type: Journal, (0100) Peer Reviewed Journal, (0110). Media Covered: Electronic. Media Available: Electronic; Print. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: English. Major Descriptor: Client Characteristics; Disabilities; Needs Assessment. Minor Descriptor: Health Service Needs; Learning Disabilities; Residential Care Institutions; Social Services. Classification: Health & Mental Health Services (3370) . Population: Human (10) . Location: Ireland. Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs) (100) . Methodology: Empirical Study; Quantitative Study. References Available: Y.
Categories:
disabilities
International Classification:
Disabilities - non specific
Keywords:
- Client Characteristics
- DISABILITIES
- Disabled Children
- Health Service Needs
- learning disabilities
- Needs Assessment
- Northern Ireland
- out of home care
- Residential Care Institutions
- residential settings
- service needs
- service provision
- social services
Geography:
Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland)