Peer support can be helpful in reducing the stress involved in giving birth to and raising a child with handicaps. A peer support group can help meet the parents' needs for information, emotional support, and ways to connect with social/health systems components. To be successful, a peer support system should be led by parents, have access to professional support, teach special skills such as active listening, be sanctioned by the medical community, have a paid staff, and operate under an umbrella agency. (CL)