such as low-threshold access to services. Beside structural framework conditions in context of family
support, the question arises as to what extent the subjective perception of preventive family support
is one more aspect of utilisation and to what extent preventive family support actually matches the
needs of families. This Study asks as well what connotations and attitudes do families have regarding
family support services? How important do families consider these offers and what are their needs?
Based on a mixed-methods design, the Citizens’ Survey on Family Support was conducted by means
of a standardised questionnaire in combination with interviews of family support users and non-users in
order to elaborate deeper meaning structures through the qualitative analysis method of grounded theory.
Summary survey results point out that family support in Germany includes a wide range of offers, which
can promote a broad array of familial interests and competences, but not all families, diverse as they are,
feel consciously addressed – or else they see obstacles to using family services. Our qualitative results
point out that ‘family support’ as a term is neither clearly identified nor properly understood by many
citizens – or else it has different connotations. However, those families who do use the services – within
the framework of transitioning to parenthood – feel supported in their psychosocial adaptations and
regulatory processes. In relation to results and as compared to other EU countries, practical implications
for further developments in family support approaches are discussed
