This study explores how the method of delivery for early intervention services impacts perceptions of empowerment among families. Analysis of data collected from 270 randomly sampled families participating in the State of Michigan's Early On (Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) program suggests two paths by which empowerment is effected. Along one path, implementation of program components via a family-centered framework appears to help increase empowerment. An alternative path models how family-centered delivery may help to build a family's support network. This is related to reduced stress and increased empowerment. Findings support programs emphasizing family-centered methods of service delivery.

Decentralized, market-based service systems provide services recipients with opportunities to choose services and service providers. Yet, for some service recipients, finding and arranging for services is so difficult that they do not receive the services they need. Collaboration between service providers and service recipients may reduce the costs and confusion of decentralized service delivery. This study explores the effects of interagency collaboration and collaboration between agencies and families on families’ experiences finding and arranging service to help them and their children with disabilities. It uses data collected from 317 randomly sampled families participating in the State of Michigan’s Early On program (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Higher levels of interagency collaboration were associated with increases in the quantity and quality of services provided. Different forms of collaboration between agencies and families were associated with more mixed service delivery impacts. These findings support continued experimentation with collaborative service delivery by policy makers.