As a fundamental social structure, the family affects the individual, the community and society as whole. Likewise, the family is changing, and today’a families differ in many ways from traditional families. Social policy has a significant effect on the institution of the family, which refers to social and health services, social benefits, education, and has developed institutional support that will support the family structure. Families at risk need the cooperation of everyone, not only the state, which will protect the family with its laws, but also the support of various non-profit organizations, communities and even society as a whole in order for the family to function. The center for social care and non-profit organizations play a fundamental role in the support and assistance of families in the Republic of Croatia. Osijek-Baranja County, as one of the last developed counties in the Republic of Croatia, has recognized the need for family support, and today there are about hundred associations that provide social, psychological and material assistance to families in need. Most associtanost support families at risk of poverty, victims of domestic violence and families with children with developmental disabilities. Likewise, the city of Osijek itself co-finances several social welfare programs, all with the aim of improving the lives of individuals and families. The imperative of the entire society must be to preserve the family, because the family is the most important community that ensures the functioning of society as a whole.