[The social worker and family caregivers.].

The author believes in the necessity of enlisting citizen participation in the resolution of psychological and social problems, and proposes a comparative study of the characteristics of two types of intermediaries : the social or professional intermediary, and the natural helper. Closer to those he helps, and unencumbered by bureaucratic norms, it is easier for the natural helper to give his best. The author esteems that collaboration with the natural helper must be based on a respect for natural helper, without seeking its modification or co-optation.