Formal support of parents with intellectual disabilities in the context of social work

There is a limited body of research about formal support for parents with intellectual disabilities in the context of the Czech Republic. As the process of deinstitutionalization continues, people with intellectual disabilities have more opportunities to make decisions about the ways they want to live in society and establish partner relationships. It is therefore appropriate to look at whether the available formal support adequately responds to the needs of families with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, the aim of this research was to analyze the existing system of formal support for parents with intellectual disabilities. The author also examined how social workers are prepared to work with this group of parents. Last but not least, the aim of this research study was to analyze the experience of parents with intellectual disabilities with formal support. In order to conduct such a comprehensive research study, the author used a mixed method research approach. Specifically, interviews, vignettes and the Support Interview Guide were used with parents with intellectual disabilities, as well as a survey and focus groups with social workers. The participants in this study were 18 parents with intellectual disabilities, 294 social workers who completed the survey, and 39 social workers who took..