ENThe article presents an overview of the scientific literature on the causes of difficulties faced by families related to the upbringing of children, neglect, and lack of social skills, addictions, inability to manage the family budget, unemployment, poverty, violence and other problems. The aim of the research is to analyze the attitudes of families experiencing difficulties and social workers towards the provided social services. The results of the research revealed the most important reasons for the emergence of families experiencing difficulties and the importance of social assistance. Keywords: family, family in difficulty, empowerment. [From the publication]