This naturalistic study investigated the development of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) in three early intervention programs attempting to actively involve parents in the planning process. Nine IFSP meetings were videotaped, and the principal participants were interviewed. A category system was developed: the portions presented here focus on roles taken by parents and staff. We concluded that parents have attained partial decision-making power at these sites, but that greater attention to parent participation is needed in goal setting, assessment, and negotiation. Recommendations are made for examining program practices and for future research.
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