Enabling and Empowering Families:
Principles and Guidelines for Practice
Carl Dunst, PhD,
Carol Trivette, MA
Angela Deal, MSW
ISBN 0-914797-59-X $24.95
Successful programs understand that the disabled child's needs must be considered in the context
of a family. Recent Federal legisltion (P.L. 99-457) requires that early intervention progtrams
use a family systems model.
This book was specifically written for practitioners who must work with families but who have
insufficient training in family systems assessment and intervention. It is a valuable blend of
theory and practice with pointers forapplying the principles, and case studies illustrating how to
apply them. Dunst et al. propose tested principles, operating guidelines, and assessment forms
that enable families to acquire the skills they need to mobilize resources to meet their needs.
Their system, which is eassily understood and applied, enables professionals to help the family to
identify its needs, locate the formal and informal resources and supports to meet these needs, and
develop decision-making and problem-solving abilities to effectively access these resources. The focus is on
building the family's capabilities to cope more effectively on its own.
Sample forms assist practitioners to help families apply this system are included int he Appendix.
Packets of these forms are available for use by practitioners from the publisher.
Forms include: Family Resource Scale, Personal Network Matrix (version 1), Support Functions
Scale, Personal Network Matrix (version 2), Support Functions Scale (short form), Family Functioning Style Scale,
Resource Scale for Teeneage Mothers, Family Support Plan, Family Needs Scale, Profile of Family Needs and Social Support,
Family Support Scale, Family Strenghts Profile, Inventory of Social Support.
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