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Abstract

Early interventionists are often required to identify family strengths and needs during the IFSP process as part of the requirements of P.L. 99--457 Part H. However, there is little guidance contained in this legislation about how to collect such information beyond the requirement of a personal interview. The present study investigated the use of two written surveys, the Family Needs Survey and the Family Needs Scale, that purport to identify family needs and one written survey, the Family Functioning Style Scale, that purports to measure family strengths. Subjects were 48 mothers of children enrolled in early intervention programs and 25 providers of early intervention services. Results indicated that slightly over 50% of these mothers preferred to share information via the written survey as opposed to personal interviews. However, demographic variables could not significantly discriminate between the two groups. Overall, mothers tended to rate the three surveys higher than did interventionists when asked about usefulness, usability, and length. Results indicate that early interventionists should provide a variety of means for families to share information about their needs and strengths.

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Considerations in Using Written Surveys to Identify Family Strengths and Needs During the IFSP Process

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