The Disappearing Family: The Role of Counselors in Creating Surrogate Families

For most of the world the nuclear and extended family provide the psychological support needed to mature and deal with life's crises. In the United States the family is changing rapidly. The changes sharply limit the ability of the institution to provide the support and role models formerly available. This article documents the emerging issues counselors and clients need to face. It suggests the value of creating surrogate families to fill the void created by the disappearing family.