Ethics and Early Intervention: Toward More Relationship-Focused Interventions

Abstract

Value-based decisions affecting the lives of young children and their families are made on a daily basis in early intervention. This article explores the dimensions of ethical decision making in early intervention. Selected comments from parents and professionals involved in an ethnographic interview study regarding value conflicts in early intervention are reported. A communication and decision-making model for achieving mutual understanding, respect, and agreement between parents and professionals is proposed.