title: Parent consultants in the health-care system: a new approach in the care of children with special needs.
abstract: A unique and innovative role for parents has emerged from the recent emphasis on family-centered, community-based health care for children with special health-care needs. The role of parent consultant is described in the following article. Identified are the characteristics of the consultant role, benefits as well as challenges, how the role is enacted, and ways to finance the position. Nurses can serve to support and nurture the parent consultant role to ensure positive role development. Parent consultants have a unique and important perspective to offer in the delivery of a family-centered approach.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Covington
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003253:Consultants; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents; D012380:Role; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States