Special Populations
Michael Gray
BSHS/402
03-04-13
Angela Zinser

Special Populations
"Certain groups, such as racial minorities, the economically disadvantaged, the very sick, and the institutionalized may continually be sought as research subjects, owing to their ready availability in settings where research is conducted. Given their dependent status and their frequently compromised capacity for free consent, they should be protected against the danger of being involved in research solely for administrative convenience, or because they are easy to manipulate as a result of their illness or socioeconomic condition." (The Bellmont Report).
"If an IRB regularly reviews research that involves a vulnerable category of subjects, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, or handicapped or mentally disabled persons, consideration shall be given to the inclusion of one or more individuals who are knowledgeable about and experienced in working with these subjects." (45 CFR 46 - Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46) Vulnerable population include: Children/Minors, Elderly, Psychologically Vulnerable, Handicapped or mentally disabled persons, Institutionalized Individuals, Prisoners, Pregnant women, and Legally Incompetent to name a few
Individuals who are economically disadvantaged, very sick, or institutionalized who may be compromised in their ability to freely give consent (or feel free to decline to participate) because of their dependent status.
After careful review the writer selected Handicapped or mentally disabled persons. The writer has been directly responsible and has assisted this population. The writer has a relative that is in their care and this is why an interest was formed. The writer has a relative that is truly vulnerable the relative is currently elderly, was born with downs syndrome, and now has physical limitations. Until five years ago the relative was self-sufficient. Currently the writer has been working with The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to get additional supports and is totally familiar with the consistency and creativity that is required to get the needed assistance from the DDA. Services are difficult to receive when the country is dealing with tremendous budget cut backs, as most funds are federally backed. Budgets are devised each fiscal year which begins July 1st. These are the unfortunate limitations to helping this population overcoming this takes great team work ,understanding, patience empathy and a caring disposition all characteristics of a Case Manager. Case Management can be very helpful and a strength with this population by using Formal Linking.
Highly vulnerable clients usually have multiple needs, requiring responses from a wide spectrum of service organizations. They often require assistance that is unavailable directly through the primary practitioner. Professional linking does not consist of simply suggesting a referral. It also means making a good hook-up, including doing whatever is necessary to ensure that the client actually receives the needed aid. It calls for a wealth of knowledge about the community human services system: accurate, up-to-date information on policies, programs and procedures; contingencies and “loopholes”; and the costs and benefits of different options.() The practitioner also needs to arrive at constructive working relationships with varied service agencies and institutions to actualize service outcomes. Linking is not a onetime event. Once clients have been connected with services their personal needs may change, requiring that they be tied in with other appropriate resources (Cioschi & Goodman, 1994; Kahana, Biegel, & Wykle, 1994). “Services for persons with a “Developmental disability” or DD Eligible include:
Resource Coordination, Respite Care, Residential Habilitation, Day and