ABSTRACT
The identity of the diabetes clinic as supportive component in a coping system was underscored by the fact that a number of families utilizing the services were active members of local diabetic associations. The fathers of these families were frequently present at clinic sessions, 1 and these families were quite successful in gaining the attention and time of hospital personnel. Family involvement in the associations suggested their commitment to coping with the life-cycle issue posed by the child's illness. 2
