Recent legislation (P.L. 99–457, Part H) requires that parental needs be addressed in the service delivery to families of infants and toddlers with a developmental delay. The author reviews the historical, empirical, and conceptual factors in early intervention services as well as the literature on parental needs and sources of social support for parents of young children with developmental delays. Seven practice principles to guide social work practice in early intervention are presented. These principles include professional competence, addressing the instrumental and emotional needs of parents, and the need for parental involvement in service plans. Recommended practice principles also include focus on parental strengths, the ecological context of families. and consideration of cultural diversity.
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