Parents Describe Finding Income and Resources for Their Medicaid-Eligible Children With Disabilities
Document Type
Article
Abstract
In the U.S. social system, the roles of work and parenthood are often in conflict, and this conflict is especially problematic for parents of children with special needs. This study was designed to give parents an opportunity to describe their experiences in finding income and resources while caring for a Medicaid-eligible child with a chronic illness or disability. Three themes emerged: work and parenting responsibilities constantly intersected; resources for families were often insufficient or unavailable; and when parents received help, the helpers took extraordinary measures. Findings were compared to those of emerging literature; in addition, parents offered many practice and policy suggestions. Ecological and social construction theory frames were supported, including a need for family-focused perspectives.
Disciplines
Social Work
Recommended Citation
Riebschleger, J., Sosulski, M. & Day, A. (2010). Parents describe finding income and resources for their families while caring for Medicaid-eligible children with a chronic illness or disability. Families in Society, 91(1): 16-24. DOI: 10.1606/1044-3894.3949
Comments
©2010 Alliance for Children and Families. Deposited in accordance with publisher policy.