Social services to help achieve a balanced life for families with disabled children: a case study

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: negalia; šeima; socialinės paslaugos; gyvenimo pusiausvyra. Keywords: disability; family; social services; life balance.Reikšminiai žodžiai: Negalia; Šeima; Socialinės paslaugos; Disability; Family; Social services.

ENPurpose. The aim of this study is to reveal the peculiarities of the provision of social services for families with disabled children and the need for these services by examining the experience of clients in Druskininkai municipality. Design/methodology/approach. To achieve the goal of the study, a quantitative study based on a normative strategy was chosen. The method of quantitative research was chosen because of its characteristic forms, the desire to search for external features, to measure and calculate them, to seek a single explanation, laws, rules, universality and universality. Quantitative research seeks to develop and validate common theories of human behavior that view grouping as reality and are independent of the individual. Findings. In Lithuania, families balance on the verge of socio-economic survival. Basic needs are becoming an important indicator of family life, so it would be too difficult to talk about the need for a balanced life. Emotional and psychological support for families is provided in a fragmented way, usually within the framework of time-limited project activities. As noted, there is a need to improve the provision of social services in municipalities, taking into account the individual needs of parents, strengthening the emotional resilience of the family, helping the family to adapt to the new reality. It is necessary to create a systematic support mechanism for the family, which would help to coordinate the provision of services in implementing the importance of a balanced life in the family.Research limitations/implications. The survey uses a questionnaire to meet the respondent directly or to send a questionnaire by e-mail. The study provided an opportunity to ask additional clarifying questions, and when the subject did not understand the question, it was possible to ask the question in a form that was more understandable to him. In order not only to listen, but also to encourage the research participant to express their thoughts, share experiences and views on the phenomenon under study, a interview with the respondent was chosen by filling in the questionnaire. Practical implications. The results of this study may be useful for the government, municipalities in making management decisions that would help to achieve a balanced life support mechanism for families raising children with disabilities. Originality/Value. Compared to 2019; 2020 and 2021 research results, the author of the article identified the importance of the need for help for families raising children with disabilities. The study identified the needs of social services that help to achieve a balanced life for families raising children with disabilities. [From the publication]