Building strengths and resilience: Supporting families and disabled children

Abstract

This chapter examines the experiences of disabled children and their families. It explores strengths approaches and identifies how effective support enables families and children to build resilience. Strengths perspectives encourage understanding of the diversity of family life and the ways in which interventions with families can draw on their strengths and capacities. The chapter considers how medical practitioners (general practitioners, nurses, social workers and specialist services) can promote the well-being of children and families. Services which make a positive difference are available to families at the times they require them and are able to adapt to meet the changing needs of families and children over their life course. At times, albeit often unintentionally, services exacerbate the stress experienced by families and as a result limit the life experiences of disabled children and their opportunities to participate in their communities. The chapter explores how strengths perspectives can address these challenges. It identifies how medical practitioners can form authentic and respectful relationships with families that enhance their coping skills and build long-term strategies for enhancing family life. Of particular interest is how practitioners can build collaborative relationships that facilitate accessible and responsive services.