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A Review of Child and Family Characteristics Related to the Use of Respite Care in Developmental Disability Services

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Abstract

This article reviews the literature on child and family characteristics that influence the use of respite care among families who have a child with a developmental disability. On the child side, these characteristics include severity of disability, level of required care, presence of challenging behaviors, and communication difficulties. On the family side, relevant factors include level of family stress, access to support systems, and family size. In some cases, marital status may also influence the decision of a parent to make use of respite care. Knowledge of these factors would seem crucial for effective planning and organization of respite care.

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Chan, J.B., Sigafoos, J. A Review of Child and Family Characteristics Related to the Use of Respite Care in Developmental Disability Services. Child & Youth Care Forum 29, 27–37 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009420206722

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