Family quality of life

Family quality of life (FQOL) has emerged as a critical aspect and important facet of life for families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The issues are becoming more complex and challenging, particularly when the development of community inclusion has required parents to take on the primary support for their offspring with disabilities. The past 20 years has seen tremendous growth in FQOL-related literature based on practice and research. Various methods of family support are emerging, previously not considered necessary. Such developments require changes to policy and practice including the development of partnerships between parents and practitioners, developments resting to a large degree on mutual support and co-operation between the large number of authorities whose personnel work with people with disabilities. FQOL includes many concepts and principles, is lifespan in orientation, and requires a seamless service relevant to the health and viability of the family as a whole. Practice in this area has far to go and many questions still remain. In this chapter we illustrate the developments and the challenges through vignettes and research findings in order to provide a map for practice, and policy.