Review of 'Costs and Outcomes of Community Services for People with with Intellectual Disabilities' R. J. Stancliffe & K. C. Lakin (Eds.), 2005. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brooks Publishers AU$63.80 (pbk), 337 pp. + index ISBN 1-55766-7-18-7

Abstract

Roger Stancliffe and Charles Lakin have edited a comprehensive and insightful review of the research literature on the financial and psychological impact of having an Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability (ID/DD) on individuals and their families. The book is also focused on the community care industry and individuals who work within this domain. In particular, Stancliffe and Lakin have drawn together the often limited and scattered literature on the nature and outcomes of expenditures for community-based services for people with ID/DD. The 14 chapters in this book report research findings, evaluation studies, and policy analysis from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In each of these chapters the authors address a range of issues including one or more of the following: ● differences in outcomes and costs among various community service models; ● direct and indirect costs of care provided by the family; ● the criteria used to allocate funds for community services; ● ways to develop a rational, equitable budgeting process that facilitates the desired lifestyle of each person; ● the debate over independent budgets versus traditional funding; ● costs and outcomes of consumer-directed or self-determined services; ● the question of whether greater expenditures and more staff lead to better outcomes; and ● recommendations for future policy and practice.