Effective Partnerships with Parents of Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities in Residential Care: Experiences of Support Staff

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Effective Partnerships with Parents of Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities in Residential Care: Experiences of Support Staff
Language: English
Authors: Maria C. den Boer (ORCID 0000-0003-4945-7303), Sanne A. H. Giesbers (ORCID 0000-0001-8358-5806), Noud Frielink (ORCID 0000-0001-8489-8409), Petri J. C. M. Embregts (ORCID 0000-0003-3567-1528)
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2026 39(2).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Partnerships in Education, Residential Care, Allied Health Personnel, Parents, Adults, Mild Intellectual Disability, Parent Participation, Interaction, Ethics, Cooperation
DOI: 10.1111/jar.70214
ISSN: 1360-2322
1468-3148
Abstract: Background: Effective parent-staff partnerships are essential for facilitating adequate service delivery in residential care for adults with (mild) intellectual disabilities. However, this partnership is often evaluated as being suboptimal. Whilst previous research has focused on parental perspectives, the present study explores support staff's experiences regarding effective partnerships. Method: Eleven support staff members were interviewed using a semi-structured format. The results were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified--(1) Acknowledging the value of parents, (2) Deliberating over what is possible and allowed given that it is service users who set the framework for the partnership, (3) Experiencing different perspectives on what constitutes high-quality care and (4) Establishing a connection with parents. Conclusions: This study provides concrete insights into how to improve parent-staff partnerships, including recognising the paramount role of service users, enhancing informal parent-staff interactions, and providing support for staff such as ethics consultations and peer support.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503907
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Background: Effective parent-staff partnerships are essential for facilitating adequate service delivery in residential care for adults with (mild) intellectual disabilities. However, this partnership is often evaluated as being suboptimal. Whilst previous research has focused on parental perspectives, the present study explores support staff's experiences regarding effective partnerships. Method: Eleven support staff members were interviewed using a semi-structured format. The results were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified--(1) Acknowledging the value of parents, (2) Deliberating over what is possible and allowed given that it is service users who set the framework for the partnership, (3) Experiencing different perspectives on what constitutes high-quality care and (4) Establishing a connection with parents. Conclusions: This study provides concrete insights into how to improve parent-staff partnerships, including recognising the paramount role of service users, enhancing informal parent-staff interactions, and providing support for staff such as ethics consultations and peer support.
ISSN:1360-2322
1468-3148
DOI:10.1111/jar.70214