European Journal of Social Work, 9(3), September 2006, pp.279-303.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This paper outlines the methodology and findings of a cross-national comparison of social care services for people with learning disabilities in Europe, developed from the EU funded STEPS anti-discrimination project. The comparative framework developed for the project is profiled and summary findings are organised into thematic dimensions. Wide variations in service organisation were evident, providing particular challenges for those involved in cross-national research or social work practice. Key variation was evident between local and national systems, the varying impact of generic and specialist community care and the degree of individualisation in services, with various structural, funding and policy barriers to integrated social work and ongoing de-institutionalisation evident. Development priorities for inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice included individual funding and planning, self-advocacy and user involvement in quality management.
This paper outlines the methodology and findings of a cross-national comparison of social care services for people with learning disabilities in Europe, developed from the EU funded STEPS anti-discrimination project. The comparative framework developed for the project is profiled and summary findings are organised into thematic dimensions. Wide variations in service organisation were evident, providing particular challenges for those involved in cross-national research or social work practice. Key variation was evident between local and national systems, the varying impact of generic and specialist community care and the degree of individualisation in services, with various structural, funding and policy barriers to integrated social work and ongoing de-institutionalisation evident. Development priorities for inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice included individual funding and planning, self-advocacy and user involvement in quality management.
Subject terms:
interagency cooperation, learning disabilities, organisational structure, self-advocacy, social policy, social care, social care provision, social work methods, anti-discriminatory practice, care planning, community care, comparative studies, eligibility criteria;
Aims to provide an inter-disciplinary projection of the factors affecting the lives of Europe's children in the coming decade. Includes chapters on: childhood and the demographic transition; family trends and children's futures; family in society in transition; the mother-child relationship as a component of mental health; the role of fathers; psychological and ethical issues in assisted reproduction; communication and the special child; growing up in a violent family; family and employment; the child and the environment (including urban areas, quality of life, and education and recreation); children and education (including issues of literacy, incorporating children with learning difficulties into mainstream schooling; social exclusion in Greece; education for parenthood; children and health (including genetic advances, AIDS and children, community psychology, and health services for children in Portugal); and social policy for Europe's children. Concludes with a section on the future of Europe's children.
Aims to provide an inter-disciplinary projection of the factors affecting the lives of Europe's children in the coming decade. Includes chapters on: childhood and the demographic transition; family trends and children's futures; family in society in transition; the mother-child relationship as a component of mental health; the role of fathers; psychological and ethical issues in assisted reproduction; communication and the special child; growing up in a violent family; family and employment; the child and the environment (including urban areas, quality of life, and education and recreation); children and education (including issues of literacy, incorporating children with learning difficulties into mainstream schooling; social exclusion in Greece; education for parenthood; children and health (including genetic advances, AIDS and children, community psychology, and health services for children in Portugal); and social policy for Europe's children. Concludes with a section on the future of Europe's children.
Subject terms:
HIV AIDS, learning disabilities, mothers, parents, policy formulation, social exclusion, social policy, urban areas, assisted reproduction, child protection, children, community mental health services, comparative studies, demographics, education, families, environmental factors, health care;