| Abstract: | The view presented in this paper is that frameworks are needed to help understand the nature of the organization and problems of severely underorganized families. Some basic propositions are suggested as a ‘rule of thumb’ diagnostic tool. Requirements for healthy development are outlined, against which the family context of many underorganized families is illustrated. It is proposed that the life-cycle framework of such families is essentially ‘two generational’. This has implications for those offering help in these situations, and suggestions are made about appropriate treatment approaches. |
