Family support programs have proliferated in many different settings in response to an increasing emphasis in the public policy arena on a family support strategy. This book offers guidelines for effective family support practice representing the consensus of family support practitioners as assessed in focus groups with over 2,000 staff and parent participants. Chapter 1 of the book, "The Family Support Story," discusses the need for family support, the development of the family support movement, and family support premises and principles. Chapters 2 through 6 present guidelines and key practices related to the following general areas of practice or themes identified in the family support principles: relationship building; enhancing family capacity; affirming diversity; programs in communities; and program planning, governance, and administration. Each of the practice chapters provides an introductory overview, guidelines for practice, challenges in practice, a resources section, and "closeups" that serve as practical tools to use in training and outreach activities. The bulk of each chapter is devoted to guidelines for translating a principle into practice. The guidelines are practice goals, with key practices described as the actions necessary to achieve these goals. Practice examples from actual programs illustrate the application of the various strategies described. Chapter 7, "Looking to the Future," discusses how guidelines for family support can inform practice, training and education for family support workers, research and evaluation, public policy, and the future of family support. The book's five appendices outline premises and principles of family support, describe the Family Support America States Initiative and the Best Practices Project, include a family support program survey, and answer common questions regarding family support program certification through Family Support America. (Author/KB)