Pathways to Family Empowerment: Effects of Family-Centered Delivery of Early Intervention Services.

This study explores how the method of delivery for early intervention services impacts perceptions of empowerment among families. Analysis of data collected from 270 randomly sampled families participating in the State of Michigan's Early On (Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) program suggests two paths by which empowerment is effected. Along one path, implementation of program components via a family-centered framework appears to help increase empowerment. An alternative path models how family-centered delivery may help to build a family support network. This is related to reduced stress and increased empowerment. Findings support programs emphasizing family-centered methods of service delivery.