“You have to fight for everything”: an exploration of the experiences of parents accessing early intervention

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HelenDeveryCARLReport2018.pdf(747.31 KB)
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Date
2018-04-19
Authors
Devery, Helen
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Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork
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Abstract
Togher Family Centre commissioned this study to explore how to support the families whose children are referred to early intervention. In this qualitative study, I interviewed both Irish and New Irish parents to explore their experiences. Evidence suggests that positive outcomes are associated with effective social support. I therefore inquired into how well they were supported on both a practical and an emotional basis. The main theme extracted, related to parents’ frustration with the lack of structural support. The comparison between Irish and New Irish families found that although all parents utilised practical support provided by friends, family and communities, New Irish parents received less emotional support. All parents were found to be extremely resourceful and resilient and actively looked for ways to support their children. My key recommendation is for Togher Family Centre to provide a parents’ support group. I am also calling upon the Irish Government to tackle the lengthy waiting lists for early intervention services.
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Early intervention , Togher Family Centre , New Irish parents , Parents’ frustration , Emotional support , Parents’ support group , Waiting lists
Citation
Devery, H. (2018) “You have to fight for everything”: an exploration of the experiences of parents accessing early intervention. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.
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©2018, Helen Devery.