Family Policy and Disability
Cambridge Disability Law and Policy Series

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.

Arie Rimmerman is Richard Crossman Professor of Social Welfare and Social Planning, founding Dean of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, and head of the School of Social Work at the University of Haifa, Israel. He is the author of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities (2012). Aside from his scientific contributions (seven books, 150 referred articles, and numerous book chapters and research reports), he has served as an advisor to ministers of labor and welfare in Israel and to public committees on disability policies in Israel, Europe, and the United States.