This study investigated autonomous local home schooling parent support groups in Kansas. The home schooling movement in Kansas is an alternative educational entity whose membership has recently been increasing. Accompanying support groups have also increased in number. The purpose of this study was to conduct a naturalistic inquiry into the concerns and functions of these groups as perceived by their leaders. Characteristics shared by the groups were analyzed. The population used for the study was drawn from 26 local autonomous home schooling parent support groups in Kansas. Triangulation of information was provided through unstructured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Five major concerns, and the accompanying functions which affect the home schooling parent support group movement, were identified. Functions related to: (1) legal concerns; (2) support concerns; (3) group activities; (4) teacher training, curriculum, testing, and resources; and (5) new home schooling families. The document includes a literature review covering the history of home schooling from the 1600s to the present. Also discussed are characteristics of home schooling families, reasons parents give for home schooling, cognitive and affective outcomes of home schooling, and the relationship between home schooling and public schools. Additional concerns are discussed. Related materials and a bibliography of 143 references are appended. (GLR)