Support Networks and Transitions Over Two Years Among Adults With a Mental Handicap

This paper begins by tracing the development of policy and research interest in the idea of social networks as something which provides important clues about the social behaviour of individuals. An argument is made for closer consideration of dimensions of support networks as a way of understanding the lives and lifestyles of adults with a mental handicap and of those who support them. The paper draws on data from a longitudinal study which examines change and stability of informal support networks of adult persons with a mental handicap over an initial period of two years and raises questions about policy, practice and future research.