Multiple family group support and help is an unknown form of support and help in Slovenia. In the United States, it began to develop in the 1960s. However, despite numerous clinical reports on its successful performance, it has still not been thoroughly empirically researched. The following thesis is a fundamental and exploratory study that is predominantly theoretical, and only empirical to a lesser degree. In the theoretical part of the research, I summarize the theories relating to the understanding of multiple family group support and help that are present in Slovenian theory and practice. I expand on the data on the different forms of group and family support and help by summarizing the theory of systems therapy, the theory of common factors and social work with families. Furthermore, I summarize the first (Laqueur’s) model of multiple family group therapy and its later versions. Through them, I explore different settings, purposes and goals, populations and practitioners. In the discussion part of the theoretical part of the research, I analyze and synthesize the examined forms of support and help by means of graphic depictions of their processes in an interactional field. I define nine levels of work with multiple family group support and help and the possible interventions at individual levels. I examine the outcome themes of the theoretical part of the research based on empirical research. As a research instrument, I formulate open questions and by using the deductive approach to analyze the obtained empirical material, I confirm 4 theoretical starting points; 3 remain empirically unverified, and no empirical data refutes any of the theoretical starting points. I conclude the thesis with the following conclusions: multiple family group support and help can be compared to family and group support and help it is possible to integrate diverse theories, methods and approaches within it; it provides a number of new sources of strength to families in the process; it is a suitable form of support and help for most of the families with whom we do social work; it is a time and cost effective form of support and help; it is compatible with social work with families. I propose the implementation of a pilot multiple family group support and help process and, as part of that process, research into working with families at their point of contact with their local communities.
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