This paper discusses the development of convoy relationships in early childhood and reviews research on the processes responsible for continuity and change in convoy relationships from early childhood through late adolescence. Convoy relationships are thought to develop from a core of early attachment relations that provide initial support to the child and foster expectations regarding future support. Research that focuses on age-related differences in convoy composition and function suggests that preschoolers tend to nominate close family members in their convoy networks, except when asked directly about their friends. Younger school-age children included mostly close family members, while in middle childhood the networks were significantly larger, primarily because of the addition of extended family members. Adolescents reported significant increases in the amount of support received from friends across the high school and college transition, with friend support exceeding family support at the college level. (Contains 19 references.) (MDM)