most family centres prefer to work with entire families, in practice, they typically are only working with one member of a family, typically the mother. Even when other family members were involved, often the fathers did not participate, often because they didn't believe it was their role to be involved. Many of the mothers involved in these programs were seeking to depart from the traditional authoritarian styles they had been raised in. Studies find benefits for most, but not all, families involved in family centre programs. History The earliest predecessor to family centres were children's houses. These actively encouraged children to volunteer to maintain the house while offering them training and transportation. They also allowed the children to participate in the governance of the houses. The houses would grow food and distribute them for free to those who help cultivate it. They also offered free training to children in how to make repairs and manage a household, with the children doing the maintenance, cooking, and cleaning. Beginning in the 1950s, urban centres were established in poor areas of English cities. These offered free classes, activities, and provided nurses and legal aid to families. They also offered the use of equipment and supplies, such as for carpentry or sewing. By the 1980s, both children's houses and urban centers had adopted the name community social centres. The current name of family centre became prominent in the 1990s. While family centres in urban areas are successful and expanding, many in rural areas have been closing down, or converted to part-time status. References Child-related organizations