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The interface between professional and natural support systems

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Abstract

There is growing recognition among human service professionals of the existence and importance of an alternate system of help-givers in the community who operate outside of, but parallel to, the established professional care-giving system. This review of the literature focuses on self-help organizations and local nonprofessional care-givers. After examining distinguishable types and functions of natural support systems, the nature of their relationships with professional support systems is discussed.

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Baker, F. The interface between professional and natural support systems. Clin Soc Work J 5, 139–148 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02144239

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