The provision of personal carers is a key service for children with autism or PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Services (MSAS). It is designed to help children with autism cope with everyday life and to develop functional, social and communication skills, as well as to allow other family members time to themselves. The service is delivered by semi-professional manpower employed by non-profit organizations meeting the criteria of the ministry tender. Families co-pay for the service based on income. In 2012 the service was delivered to about a thousand families.
The Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute was asked to conduct an evaluation study out of a sense that the service was being underused and beset by difficulties of delivery. Data were collected from some 200 families appearing in the MSAS data file in February 2012 as recipients of the service, and from five representatives of organization supplying the service. The study examined the characteristics of the recipient families and children, the characteristics of the service and patterns of utilization, and its contribution to the children and families.
These are some of the main findings:
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Families receive the service for four years on average
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55% of the families reported a changeover of three or more carers since they began receiving the service
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28% of the families were not receiving the service at the time of the interview, although they had received it in the past. Most were waiting for a replacement carer
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80% of the families reported that the carers taught the children social skills, 65% – learning skills,
and 57% – daily functioning -
43% of the families reported that the carers do not receive professional support from any formal service
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80% of the families said that the service reduced the burden of care and 79% said that it allowed parents time to themselves
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The service representatives reported that the nature of the carers’ work and conditions of their employment were responsible for the high rate of changeover, and that it was difficult to find suitable manpower.
The study findings were presented to, and discussed by, many forums: the steering committee of the study, the administration of the service, the staff of service supervisors, and the directors of the relevant MSAS divisions. The service administration examined the findings and formulated a number of programmatic directions for improvement and reinforcement.
The study was funded by the Service for People with Autism and PDD in cooperation with the MSAS Research, Planning and Training Division.
Citing suggestion: Korazim, M., & Nir, S. (2014). Service of Personal Carers for Children with Autism. RR-654-14. Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute. (Hebrew)