Family Quality of Life: A Framework for Policy and Social Service Provisions to Support Families of Children With Disabilities

Abstract

As a new extension of individual quality-of-life (QOL) framework that has been widely embraced in the field of disability to affect policy making, guide service delivery, and enhance outcomes of individuals with disabilities, family quality of life (FQoL) has been increasingly recognized as an important concept in the area of family supports for families of children with disabilities in the last two decades. This article provides an overview of FQoL conceptualization by introducing two conceptual frameworks that are influential in the international research literature of FQoL and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to the delineation of conceptualization and measurement development of FQoL, the article addresses issues of FQoL applications to professions such as social work and special education. Implications for policy, research, and practice with respect to family support for families of children with disabilities are also discussed.