The article traces the initial development of respite care in the 1970s to a variety of creative urban and rural program models found in the United States by the early 1980s. Implications for advocacy, funding, and further research indicate the growing need for and acceptance of this essential family support system. (Author/CL)

The monograph provides an historical overview of services for families of disabled children and considers strategies for increasing family support. The historical analysis traces factors influencing the lack of priority placed on family services and describes trends in family resource services. Advantages and drawbacks of the continuum and array…