Programs that link parents whose children have a specific disease, disorder, disability or other issues with other parents whose children have similar challenges for the purpose of information sharing and support. Also included are programs for parents who themselves have a disability or other problems that have an impact on their parenting ability.

Mutual support groups for parents who share a common characteristic or circumstance such as being single parents, dual career parents, multiple birth parents, parents with children who are out of control, or parents of children with disabilities, who come together for educational and social purposes as well as for mutual support. Meeting formats may include in-person, telephone or Internet options.

Grandparents, aunts and uncles or other relatives, members of a child’s tribe or clan, godparents, stepparents, neighbors, friends of the family or other adults who can serve as "family" who have taken on the responsibility of raising children in situations where the birthparents are unable or unwilling to provide for their care.