INTRODUCTION:This article aims to provide an overview of the experiences of Korean immigrant parents raising children with disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand, primarily focusing on their experience of disability services and systems. METHODS:As the present exploratory study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of immigrant parents' experiences and perceptions, a qualitative approach was employed to collect rich and lived information from participants. Ten participants were recruited and interviewed among Korean parents of children with disabilities and professionals working with those families. FINDINGS:Lack of trust among Korean parents living in Aotearoa New Zealand was frequently discussed by the participants in the present study. Lack of information around available services and alternative support and cultural barriers were often identified to have a significant impact on Korean parents' experiences with services. A sense of obligation to integrate into the host society and the services provided was also evident. Further, there was a contradictory perception between parents and associated professionals in relation to services' expectations of Korean parents. CONCLUSION:From analysis of the findings, three main themes emerged: experiences of services and its relations with trust, cultural values and expectations, and looking to the future. The study suggests that there is a need for professionals, service providers and government to consider ways to build trusting relationships with Korean parents and their children with disabilities, and makes a number of recommendations.

Cultural context has a significant influence on family support and parenting for children living with disabilities and has been powerful in shaping treatment and service provision. For parents, a pervasive concern lies with planning for future care provision for their child, and here culture plays a role. This qualitative research explores how cultural context shapes the future care provision plans for Korean parents by examining similarities and differences of future care provision-planning between Korean migrant families in New Zealand and those living in Korea. Specifically, the article examines the influence of familism on planning for future care among Koreans.

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An increasing concern of families caring for children living with disabilities is related to planning for their future care. This qualitative study explores how the country contexts shape the plans for future care provision of Korean parents in New Zealand and Korea. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with parents ( n = 18) and professionals ( n = 18). The study revealed that there are differences and similarities regarding the social reality of future care planning among Koreans in different national contexts. Recommendations are made In support of future care planning process taking its place as a conventional phase of care provision for people living with disabilities.

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