The search for retardation interveners: A family and community approach through public health nursing

Abstract

The retarded child and his family are faced with a variety of problems all of which are important in their life adjustment. The child may need special medical care as well as special education. The family may need guidance in providing daily care for the child as well as dealing with the emotional conflicts catalyzed by his presence. Because of the multiplicity of problems, it is important to integrate available services to provide continuous and consistent management and avoid duplication and fragmentation of care. Services can be provided by centralized agencies where experts and equipment are concentrated and highly technical methods of diagnosis and treatment rendered to a limited number of patients. Services can also be provided by local community agencies who deal with general problems of children and families. This is a report of a project designed to explore the possibility of forming and maintaining a dynamic two-way communication between a central agency and community agencies to provide integrated treatment for the retarded child and his family.