Immigrant families and social services: Formal and informal support networks
| Title | Immigrant families and social services: Formal and informal support networks |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | Monaci MGrazia, Carbone D, Bonapace W |
| Journal | Interdisciplinary Journal of Family Studies |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 76-95 |
| Date Published | 06/2010 |
| Publisher | Padova University Press |
| Place Published | Padova, IT |
| ISSN Number | 2282-2011 |
| Keywords | families, formal-informal networks, immigration, social services, social support |
| Abstract | The present study examines the relation between immigrant families and territorial services by comparing institutional services and more informal resources. The latter are particularly important for immigrants, who often use networks composed of family and friends for reciprocal support. Immigrant families (n = 32) were administered a semi-structured interview and handed a questionnaire at information bureaus (n = 105, 67F ). Results show that families are well informed about available resources and they often make use of the health services. Women above all benefit from the health services and family clinics and give them a better evaluation. Informal networks, especially family members and friends from the same country, are used mostly in the first years of residence, while as time goes by formal services are resorted to. |
