ABSTRACT
In response to the fragmentation of community that they see as accompanying the post-traditional welfare state, communitarians and social conservatives look to local institutions and organizations to provide care and support to those in need. This chapter focuses on the possible role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including faith-based organizations (FBOs), in advocating for and providing services to vulnerable citizens. It focuses on their potential role in assisting families in caring for family members in need. The chapter highlights the needs of elderly parents. Although it is unlikely that people will re-familize the care of the disabled and the elderly, other options that draw upon the voluntary contributions of individuals who are physically and socially close to the individual in need could provide the vital non-financial and informal support that governments are ill-equipped to provide. Many new NGOs and FBOs have emerged and older organizations have adopted the mission of providing services to and advocating for vulnerable and elderly populations.
