INFORMAL SOCIAL NETWORKS IN THE CARE OF YOUNG DISABLED CHILDREN

Abstract

This study attempts to look into the factors that influence parents' decision to seek help from their informal network members to cope with their disabled children. The four areas of focus arc child care (for disabled child), financial support, emotional support and informational support. In a qualitative approach, 15 families of young disabled children were interviewed. Data was analyzed according to the five factors ( response cost, depe11dability, indebtedness, reciprocity and satisfaction) involved in the help-seeking and help-giving process (Dunst, Trivette & Deal, 1988a). It is found that these five factors vary in importance in different contexts. Response cost is found to be the main determinant in seeking for child care assistance. Satisfaction and reciprocity are the more important factors involved in seeking for emotional support. All the five variables are equally significant in seeking for financial help. In terms of information, most parents did not approach informal social network for assistance as network members did not have the sources. Thus, the five factors are not applicable in informational support. There are other factors found to be important from the research and theories are built based on the findings. Future direction of social work practice is recommended to provide informal support through formal social services.