The contributors to this topical volume explore the role of family support in promoting the welfare of children and their families. The book integrates concepts and experiences from an international perspective, different levels of analysis (society, community and family) and different loci of intervention.

Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Family Support: Issues and Prospects, Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College, Dublin. 2. Communities, Family Support and Social Change, Graham Crow and Graham Allan, University of Southampton. 3. Social Pedagogical Family Help in Germany: New Wine in Old Vessels or New Vessels for Old Wine?, Joachim Wieler, Fachhochschule Erfurt, Germany. 4. Children in Control: Helping Parents Restore the Balance, Martin Herbert, University of Exeter. 5. Social Support Principles for Strengthening Families: Messages from America, Carolyn E. Cutrona, Iowa State University. 6. Refocusing Project Work with Adolescents Towards a Family Support Paradigm, John Canavan, National University of Ireland, Galway and Pat Dolan, Western Health Board, Galway. 7. Drug Prevention: Turning Towards Family Support, Saoirse Nic Ghabbainn, National University of Ireland, Galway and Fiona Walshe, Western Health Board, Galway. 8. Developing Reciprocal Support Among Families, Communities and Schools: The Irish Experience, Sandra Ryan, University College Cork. 9. Creating Municipal Structures for Family Support in a Danish City, Peter Steen Jensen, City Planning Department, Odense, Denmark. 10. Emerging Agendas for Family Support, John Pinkerton, The Queens University of Belfast. References. Index.