Support Networks and Family Empowerment in Early Intervention

Abstract

Despite the importance of empowerment and the support network of families who receive early intervention (EI) with a family-centered approach, there is little evidence of a relationship between these two variables and family characteristics that might influence this relationship. This study analyzes the correlations between the perception of empowerment of the families, the family supports used, and the socio-demographic factors of both the child and the family. The study consisted of 44 families who received family-centered EI services. Our results show that families mainly used formal supports, followed by informal supports, and, to a lesser extent, intermediate supports. This indicates that families with children who receive EI preferably use the support network based on EI programs, schools, and professionals. Along with this formal support network, primary caregivers rely on their partners, parents, or friends—that is, the informal support network. Family empowerment was not correlated with age, diagnosis, or the reason for referral to EI; on the other hand, it was related to the supports where the families with the lowest empowerment scores were those who made greater use of formal support over informal support. Early intervention professionals must know, from the first encounter, the type and level of support of each family to enhance the development of the child and promote empowerment in families.