Group Homes for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Encouraging Inclusion and Participation

Group homes are the dominant form of residential accommodation for people with severe learning or intellectual disabilities, and yet there are significant problems within these living environments. This book seeks to highlight the key issues for both residents and staff, and offers practical suggestions for improving community living. Based on original empirical research and drawing on extensive field notes, the book paints a picture of life in group homes today. The authors propose a framework for increasing community presence and participation, and consider the barriers to be overcome if progress is to be made in achieving these key goals. The notion of 'homeliness', the challenge of maintaining a balance between individual and group needs and the concept of practice leadership are all explored. Group Homes for People with Intellectual Disabilities is essential reading for anyone working with people with learning or intellectual disabilities in residential services, as well as academics and students of disability studies, social work and health and social care programmes.

Tim Clement is Research Fellow in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University, and has worked with people with intellectual disabilities for over 20 years.

Christine Bigby is Professor and Director of Postgraduate Programs in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia. She is Editor of Australian Social Work, and an associate editor of the Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Her research has focussed on people ageing with lifelong disabilities, intellectual disability policy and case management.