Family support means different things to different families. Since the early 1980's, an increasing number of states have begun to offer at least some services to families of people with disabilities.
Families can choose supports and services based on their individual needs and preferences.
These family support programs make use of structured services and supports, as well as informal or natural supports from friends, neighbors, extended family or others in the community. The idea is to provide whatever it takes for families of people with disabilities so that they can live as much like other families as possible. The supports that families receive need to be determined by the individual family based on their culture, values, preferences, and specific needs at any given time. These supports might be aimed not only at the person with a disability, but at other family members as well. Also, it is important to remember that it is not just what is offered families, but how it is offered .