This paper introduces the concept of “community guiding,” a new approach implemented in Washington State's family support program. Community guides, as defined by this program, are intended to assist families with members who have developmental disabilities in locating community resources – other than “typical” state-funded resources – that are helpful to them in meeting their needs. Results from this qualitative study suggest community guiding has potential as a family support resource, provided there is good communication system-wide and adequate guide recruitment and role definition.
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