ABSTRACT

Background

Building Circles of Support is an innovative strategy for developing natural support networks. This study explored some of the ambiguity in the conceptualisations, operational elements, and perceived outcomes of Circles of Support programs.

Method

A comparative case study of three Australian Circles of Support programs was conducted. Data included document review and qualitative interviews with 27 key stakeholders. Qualitative analysis of the data from each program was analysed using categories of the program logic as a conceptual framework, followed by cross-case analysis to identify commonalities and differences.

Results

Findings show conceptual variability between programs, which shared similar overarching intents but differed in program, strategies, target population and outcomes, which were shaped by the missions of the organisation of which they were part.

Conclusion

Findings can inform the future design and evaluation of programs to support the development of informal support network for people with intellectual disabilities.

中文翻译：

---

智障人士支持圈的形成与支持——比较案例分析

摘要

背景

建立支持圈是发展自然支持网络的创新战略。本研究探讨了支持圈计划的概念化、操作要素和感知结果中的一些模糊性。

方法

对三个澳大利亚支持圈计划进行了比较案例研究。数据包括文件审查和对 27 个主要利益相关者的定性访谈。使用程序逻辑的类别作为概念框架对来自每个程序的数据进行定性分析，然后进行跨案例分析以识别共性和差异。

结果

调查结果显示了计划之间的概念差异，这些计划具有相似的总体意图，但在计划、战略、目标人群和结果方面存在差异，这些都是由它们所属组织的使命所塑造的。

结论

调查结果可以为未来的计划设计和评估提供信息，以支持为智障人士开发非正式支持网络。