Project Description:
<p>The Parenting with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Project in Washington State is a component of a larger community partnership with Disability Rights Washington (DRW), Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), and the Allies in Advocacy (AIDD network partners) focusing on the rights of parents with IDD. </p>
<p>The purpose of the first UCEDD study was to examine Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations related to parenting with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in Washington State. Using a mixed methods design, researchers attempted to document the prevalence of CPS investigations of parents with IDD at the birth of the child, the reasons given for the investigation, the supports available to the parents with IDD, and the current science in supporting parents with IDD. Following interviews with parents, Developmental Disabilities Administration case managers, a review of the national CPS data reporting, and an extensive literature review, a final report was completed. The report included both research and policy recommendations to address the lack of available information from state agencies on the experience of parents with IDD and CPS. </p>
<p>Findings from the first phase of research have been presented at local meetings and national conferences. The second phase of the study investigated the birth records of infants born to mothers with a diagnosis of IDD in Washington State over a 14 year period and linked those with Children's Administration records to track their involvement with CPS. We have completed a paper currently under review for publication that documents our findings from this second phase of research. Our identified 2019 focus will be on the evaluation of parents with IDD for fitness to parent and supports currently available for parents. The collaboration will continue with the AIDD network partners, as well as other researchers at the University of Washington, in order to improve our understanding of the prevalence and experience of parents with IDD and CPS in our state to ensure that they receive the supports they need to successfully parent. </p>
