Cambridge Disability Law and Policy Series: Family Policy and Disability

This book explores the status and scope of family policies related to households of children with disabilities, providing an in-depth, evidence-based review of legal, programmatic issues. It includes a discussion of the gaps between family needs and contemporary family policies in the United States and European countries, as demonstrated in these households' surveys. In addition, the volume offers a comparative analysis of cash benefits, tax credits and deductions, and in-kind provisions between the United States and select European countries (UK, France, and Sweden). Most importantly, this book identifies and continues the discussion regarding the critical role of family-centered policies, as expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), as well as the future of family policy toward families of children with disabilities at a time of economic crisis.

1. Introduction; 2. Family policy: a conceptual base; 3. Families of children with disabilities: core needs; 4. Family policies related to children and youth with disabilities in the United States; 5. Family policies and disability in select European countries; 6. Assessment of family disability policies; 7. Comparative family policies of the United States and select European countries; 8. The UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and family policies; 9. Closing remarks.