Functional Model of Socio-Pedagogical Support of Families with Children with Special Needs in Ukraine

Abstract

The article presents the results of research into socio-pedagogical problems of families who are raising children with disabilities. Based on the results provided, the authors developed and presented the functional model of socio-cultural support of such families, the primary purpose of which is the normalization of family functioning and adequate development of a child with special needs. The main structural components of the model are grounded: the stages (preparation; contact; diagnostics; modeling; activity; reflection) and organizational conditions (activeness and communicativeness of parents, team of professionals from different fields and volunteers, the consultant, cooperation of civic organizations and others) of pedagogical support. The styles of raising a child and of communication within a family with a child with special needs as well as tactics of working with parents in the course of support are established. The study suggests criteria regarding the effectiveness of socio-pedagogical support. It is maintained that particular attention in the course of support should be devoted to raising parental competence which is a complex dynamic feature of a couple and is realized through the important capability of quality performance of parental functions regarding giving birth, care, raising and developing a child.