Determinants of Needs of Families of Children and Youth With Cerebral Palsy

Several models of determinants of needs of families of children and youth with cerebral palsy were tested using structural equation modeling. Five hundred seventy-nine parents completed the Family Needs Survey and measures of child, family, and service characteristics. The models explained 32% of variance in needs related to child condition, 43% of variance in needs related to community and financial resources, and 33% of variance in needs related to family functioning. Access to services, service coordination, processes of care, and family relationships were common determinants of family needs; whereas child adaptive behavior, communication problems, gross motor function, and family income were unique determinants of specific types of needs. The implications for family-centered services that address family needs are discussed.