Introduction. The contemporary world, with speedy development of information and telecommunication technologies, offers us a wide range of opportunities. At the same time, these rapid changes in the area of the contemporary social life result in opacity and uncertainty of the human life environment. Numerous families cannot cope with the new challenges and issues. Often such a situation leads to risky behaviours. The situation is difcult in particular for resourceless families, with educational problems, or dysfunctional families. These are mostly poorly educated families, unable to infuence development, socialization, or education of their children. They are also helpless in making a living. Once the dysfunctionality level overwhelms such a family, external assistance is needed. Aim. This article is an attempt at initiating a debate over a range of actions to be taken by family assistants for families included in the support programme. It describes the function of a family assistant, including the scope of duties and the job description. It is also an attempt at pointing out the highly diverse forms of family life in the post modern world. Work in such a diversifed environment is highly challenging for a family assistant. Methods and materials. Overview and critical analysis of educational and sociological literature. Results and conclusion. Based on the analyses made, it can be concluded that assistance provided to families with multiple issues has become a structural and organizational solution using the potential and the resources of a benefciary. While the unstandardized nature of the duties of a family assistant obliges him/her for continuous improvement their competence and work methodology. It essential as well, that a family assistant at work acts as a coordinator of children and family support initiatives taken by other social services.