Evolution of family-professional partnership models: Collective empowerment as the model for the early 21st century.*disclaimer
This chapter presents four models of parent-professional partnerships from the perspective of power relationships in early intervention services. The parent counseling/ psychotherapy model, as well as the parent training/involvement model, both involve a “power-over” relationship in which the professional is in control of the relationship with the parent. By contrast, the family-centered model involves a “power-with” relationship in which families and professionals share power – family choice is honored, and family strengths are recognized in developing and implementing early intervention. The third model, collective empowerment, expands the concepts of family-centered programs to expand the capacity of families, professionals, and the broader community to access resources and make choices. Power is redefined; rather than control, it is conceptualized as capacity building for all participants.
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