Linking formal and informal support in multiproblem low‐income families: the role of the family manager

Multiproblem low‐income families face multiple long‐term problems in contexts deprived of economic resources, and they use various forms of formal and informal support to overcome these problems. This study examines how families coordinate the diverse strategies. A sample of 150 multiproblem, low‐income families was surveyed by means of an interview that comprised three open questions: Which problems do you feel exist in your family? What strategies does your family use to cope with each of these problems? How does your family bring together the different types of support? Main findings suggest that a member of the family (the family manager) coordinates and links informal and formal types of support. Families do not adopt a passive attitude toward problem solving because they activate and manage multiple formal and informal strategies. It is suggested that professionals could promote the coordination between formal and informal strategies without taking away autonomy from the families.