From time to time all families face predicaments, and use their own resources to overcome them. However, sometimes these resources are insufficient and they need help. Through the use of richly detailed practice examples and case studies, this comprehensive book clearly and succinctly examines the knowledge, skills and attitude that social workers require in order to engage with and help families experiencing strain in a multitude of different situations. Taking a strongly ecological stance, it outlines the variety of external stressors that can push families into difficulty and provides a thorough examination of the ways in which social workers can understand, help and support them.Concise and accessible, Supporting Families is an essential sourcebook for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking modules related to working with children and families as well as practitioners seeking a fresh source of reference.