To investigate the process whereby families cope with the stresses associated with the decision to transfer their developmentally disabled relatives and are able to overcome their negative attitudes and feelings toward the relocation and the new facilities, 187 relatives (72% parents) of residents who were transferred were surveyed. The residents were moved from a large state institution to four smaller institutions closer to their families. The questionnaire assessed family involvement, stresses, feelings, policy knowledge, satisfaction with services, social support, coping, and family satisfaction. Social workers at the closing facility also completed a questionnaire assessing the degree of family involvement with the relative. An analysis of the results showed that the majority of families were very dissatisfied with the decision to close the institution, expressing concern for the negative impact of the move on the resident. The majority of respondents reported feeling stressed when they first heard about the closure; however, stress was decreased with time and information. Those with the greatest closure-related stress were those with worries about transfer trauma and those who had experienced high stress upon initial diagnosis and placement of their relative. Family dissatisfaction was correlated with worries about transfer trauma and meeting their relative's medical needs. Social support from new staff was most beneficial in reducing stress and increasing family satisfaction. The findings indicate that family opposition could be lessened if their concerns were addressed directly and their involvement elicited early in the closure process. (BL)