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Chapter 11

Parents with a special-needs child
especially require respite time to nurture
their own marital relationship. Other
siblings need to spend time alone with the
parents without the distraction of the
special-needs child. Churches and social
service agencies can minister to families
with disabled children by offering respite
care. This allows other family members to
care for their own socio-emotional needs.
Finding proper care and
accommodations for the special-needs
family member consumes much of the
family’s time. They spend hours in research
and make many visits to professionals, all of
which is a drain on the family’s financial
resources. Sometimes other family members
are very resentful of the sacrifices parents
make for the disabled member. The
nondisabled family members—particularly
siblings—can feel neglected and socially
isolated. Parents of a child with a congenital
defect, such as a mental handicap, often feel
guilty and have a difficult time forgiving
themselves (Roessler, Chung, & Rubin,
2006).
Despite the challenges, studies indicate
disabled people do much better when
family members are involved in their care
and rehabilitation (Roessler, Chung, &
Rubin, 2006). Caring for a special-needs
family member does not have to produce
isolation and resentment. When each
family member is encouraged to accept
some responsibility for the care of the
disabled member, the family bond is

strengthened. Of great importance is

networking. When families with disabled

members are allowed to interact with other

families in similar circumstances, they

develop important social relationships—

for the disabled members, as well as for

other family members. Burdens shared are

burdens lifted. Spirituality and religion

have also been noted as a crucial source of

support which provides meaning, hope,

and peace for families with handicapped

members (Zhang & Rusch, 2005).

Unfortunately, the faith community has

not proven to be that helpful for these

families (Gaventa, 2008).

Same-Sex Families

As an adjunct to our consideration of

cultural variations, we will look briefly at a

controversial family form which has

Two states have legalized same-sex marriage and 11

states have some provision to provide benefits for

same-sex couples and their children.

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