Background; The current physiotherapy management of children with cerebral palsy (CP) gives attention to parental participation. The role of parents has changed from a passive one into an active participating one. Therefore, understanding of the needs of families of children with CP is important for family-centered services.

Objective; this study aimed to identify the needs and priorities of parents of children with CP, with the view to improve care and increase family participation in the rehabilitation program.

Methods; A qualitative approach using questionnaires was conducted with 43 family members of children with CP who visited Physiotherapy Departments of Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital (HBPH) and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) Kano.

Results; Five different themes were found to be most important family needs that have been met; a) the need for active involvement in the child treatment and therapies’ 40(95.2), b)‘need for the provision of standard medical care’ 39(90.7%), c)‘need for questions to be answered honestly’ 38(88.4%), d) ‘need for healthcare professionals to respect the child’s wishes’ 36(83.7)  and e) ‘the need  for mothers to  discuss their feelings with someone who has similar experience’ 36(83.7). Three most unmet family needs were a) the need to have professionals to consult whenever the child needs help’ 39(90.7), b) ‘the need to be informed about the child’s prognosis’ 41(95.3), and c) ‘the need to have financial support in order to provide the child with adequate care’ 43(95.3).

Conclusion; Participants overwhelmingly reported that financial needs were their highest priority. Needs of families of children with disabilities must be considered in rehabilitation services to improve children's outcomes.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; disability; family needs; Kano.