Table of Contents

66
The determinants and influence of size on residential settings for children
S. Chipenda-Dansokho & the Centre for Social Policy

Abstract: This paper examines why residential institutions are the size they are and summarizes research findings on the influence of size on child outcomes and organizational processes. The literature reviews shows that economic and ideological factors have historically determined the size of residential situations. More recently, intellectual factors have provided justification for smaller unit of establishment and placement outputs or child outcomes, but seems to support the potential benefits of small units to the experience of students and staff. However, the extent of any effect depends on the context in which the groups operate. A model that considers the size in the context of institutional aims and structures is proposed as a more fruitful approach to understanding the significance in service development.

77
Long-term adjustment of families of children with spinal cord injury
J.Y. Shin, A.W. Heineman, D. Gaeler-Spira & J. Simpson

Abstract: We examine the long-term adaptation of families of children with spinal cord injury as a function of multiple factors, including caregiver emotional well-being, and child functional status and emotional well-being. Forty-six caregivers of children who received inpatient rehabilitation services 1 to 10 years earlier at a  rehabilitation hospital in the US participated in an interview. Children who were more independent had caregivers with less parenting stress. Children with more emotional problems negatively affected the emotional well-being of caregivers. The caregiver's educational level and family income were negatively associated with child adaptation, which in turn affected the psychological well-being of the caregivers.

91
Social and professional integration of young adults with a mental handicap after leaving a specialised institution
A. Chatenoud & M. Corbillon

Abstract: This article presents the results of a study on the study on the social and professional integration of young adults five to ten years after they have left an "Institut Médico Professionnel" (medical and Professional Institution) (IMPro). After a brief presentation of the context and the method used, we show that, despite a high percentage of employment, social integration and access to autonomy remains problematic for many of them. Moreover, quantitative and interview analyses demonstrate that employment in a regular context or in sheltered surroundings corresponds to different modes of socialisation and contributes to the creation of a social identity. The issue of the relationship with the handicap proves to be decisive.

103
Children with difficulties, parenting training and action research
R.W. Barker, S. Miler, M. Place & J. Reynolds

Abstract: This article describes an action research project which compares two forms of intervention with families with children who were seen to have 'medium range' behavioural difficulties. The implication of this research for the delivery of parenting training programmes, and for services to families in general, are discussed. The research took place in an industrial urban area in the North of England. A programme for the young people within the target families. Both interventions were effective, however, the parenting intervention was more effective. Areas of particular improvement were parents' perceptions of more considerate and helpful behaviour in their children, and lower levels of hyperactivity, a reduction in levels of parental depression, and increase in children's sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.

113
Cross-national study on the attitude of normal and juvenile youngsters towards social limits
J. Strijker & J. E. Rink

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