(1) ELC Department, Northeast Louisiana University, 71209 Monroe, Louisiana;(2) Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, California;(3) St. Louis Family Institute, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri
Abstract:
In this article we describe the concept of reciprocal foster families a strength-based approach to helping families in poverty. This approach focuses on the resources that all families have to offer each other. The goal of reciprocal foster families approach is to restrict the role of professionals and develop trust in the intuitive wisdom of natural networks of people and families as they help each other succeed in times of difficulty.