ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study examined the significance of support groups from the perspective of families for members who were parents of mentally disabled children in their 20s.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with parents who joined support groups for families of mentally disabled young adults. A qualitative and inductive classification method was used to extract categories from the data obtained.Results: Five parents agreed to participate in an interview survey. Ten categories were identified: "talking to others in the same situation", "pleasant places where they feel at ease", "connecting with other families", "sharing the same issues with others", "talking about things other than their children", "learning from each other", "promoting empowerment as a parent", "dealing with their children more easily", "improving family relationships", and "preparation for raising issues within the community".Conclusion: Parents who joined support groups for families of mentally disabled young adults felt that it was important to share problems regarding their children's siblings, the types of housing their children are faced with living in when they become independent, and the types of insurance plans their children can purchase. They also found it important for family support groups to be able to help prepare them to raise issues within the community.