This volume, the last of a six-part report, is a guide that provides an overview to the Building Villages series. It discusses the need for comprehensive programs, and examines the corresponding need for change in the family-services framework. It sets forth the organizing principles of family support as the movement grows from a program to a community-based service system. The overview lists developmental principles for programs, presents strategies for implementing change, and introduces the stage concept of service progression, which is discussed by component in each of four other guides. The guide concludes with a list of resources for further readings and information. (Contains 47 references.) (GLR)