Support Families who have a Child with a Disability

Unit summary

This unit is aimed at those whose role includes supporting families who have a child with sensory, physical or learning disabilities. It addresses emotional needs and resource needs and it also addresses working with other professionals and agencies.

Learning outcomes Assessment

1 Understand the impact on a family of having a child with a disability

1.1 Describe the emotional impact that a diagnosis can have on families

1.2 Explain how the impact of having a child with a disability can be rewarding and/or challenging

1.3 Explain the emotional experience that families may have after diagnosis, using theories of loss

1.4 Explain how having a child with a disability may affect interpersonal relationships within a family

1.5 Identify the changes that may need to be made to family life, social life, work and accommodation

1.6 Explain why it is important for family members to have opportunities to explore feelings and experiences

2 Be able to support families who have a child with a disability

2.1 Establish with the family the support they require

2.2 Work with the family to identify different ways that needs can be met

2.3 Support family members to discuss feelings and experiences related to having a child with a disability

3 Be able to support families with a child with a disability to use informal networks and community resources

3.1 Explain what informal networks and community resources there are for children with disabilities and their families

3.2 Give information to a family about community resources and informal networks to enable them to make choices

3.3 Support a family to use community resources and informal networks

4 Be able to work in partnership with other professionals and agencies to support families with a child with a disability

4.1 Identify support and resources that a child with a disability may need

4.2 Investigate the roles of other professionals and agencies that may provide support to families with a child with a disability

4.3 Provide information to a family about professionals and agencies that may provide support

4.4 Identify when referrals should be made to other professionals and/or agencies

4.5 Demonstrate partnership working with other professionals and agencies to provide support to families with a child with a disability

4.6 Review the outcomes for the family of partnership working

4.7 Identify and report any additional support required by the family