Comparing Ute Mountain Indians, Hispanics, and Anglos within several communities, this study examined: (1) ethnic differences in the structure and function of parents' support networks; and (2) the relation of social support to parental feelings of competence and parenting behaviors. From 4 sites in Colorado, 484 parents or guardians of 2- to 5-year-old children were selected from the DARE to Be You prevention project on the basis of various risk factors, including low income, teenage child-bearing, and family history of substance abuse. Subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, with the experimental group participating in an 8- to 12-week series of parent education workshops and support groups designed to promote self-esteem and positive child-rearing practices. All participants completed a pretest booklet of scales on child development and behavior, child-rearing practices, parental functioning (locus of control, attributions, self-esteem), and background information. The experimental group completed a posttest booklet at the conclusion of the intervention workshops. Analysis revealed that Ute Mountain Indians have social networks governed by frequent interchanges with an interconnected web of kin; Hispanic parents have large, close-knit networks but fewer resources for emotional support; and Anglo parents have structurally diffuse but emotionally supportive networks. (Contains 53 references.) (MM)