BUILDING ON PERSONAL NETWORKS WHEN INTERVENING WITH MULTI‐PROBLEM POOR FAMILIES

Abstract

Which strengths exist in the personal social networks of members of multi‐problem poor families? This is a crucial question at a time when a substantial amount of data demonstrates the protector effect of social ties and the harmful effect of their insufficiency in aspects such as well‐being, personal development and social adjustment. In addition, recent research has demonstrated that professionals are no longer the only providers of solutions for the problems of families and individuals in need. Therefore, personal networks must be involved so that intervention is based on the competences and strengths of the family, its members and the social networks of these elements. With the aim of analyzing the strengths which exist in the personal social networks of members of multi‐problem poor families, a sample of 100 members of these families was surveyed, using a structured interview, based on Sluzki (La red social: frontera de la practica sistemica, Gedisa, Barcelona, 1996). The main results of this exploratory study suggest that: strong family ties constitute a resource to be taken into account; friends and neighbours are a resource that needs to be activated; the members of these families need to develop more reciprocal relationships within their personal network; emotional support is an open door towards the activation of other forms of support; it is necessary to give special attention to two sub‐groups (women and the elderly).