Identification of the main problems in social work with low-income families

Family is a basic social group, which influences one‘s life in all its stages. Through optimal fulfilment of functions which are imposed by society, it creates a safe environment for survival and development of family members. It is an essential factor in socializing and significantly affects the social functioning of its members. The family is also a dynamic system whose functioning operates a number of internal but also external factors. One of these factors is family income. The aim of our study is to investigate which dimensions and aspects of family functioning are threatened by living below the breadline. For assessing individual dimension of family functioning we used the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Quantitative analysis showed disruption of the functioning of the family system in all dimensions. The greatest family disruption was found in dimensions of role, behaviour control and affective involvement. Poverty is a social problem that negatively affects all dimensions of family system functioning. In order to provide effective help and intervention to the family, it is essential that the social worker is able to correctly identify problem areas and appropriately choose methods and procedures aimed at restoration of family functioning