Since 1980 a group of workers organising family-based relief care schemes has met on a regular basis, to look at particular aspects of respite care, and to organise occasional workshops. Although the schemes represented by the group vary widely, features of respite care offered by families have emerged, with workers experiencing similar problems of isolation and lack of appropriate support within their own structure. This collection of papers has been produced in an effort to reach a wider audience of people considering establishing a scheme, or involved in a scheme not within the group. It is hoped it will promote debate.