A descriptive-comparative study was designed to document the service delivery functions and impacts of three different parent-aide programs ongoing in Michigan. The study took place over the period of summer 1978 to summer 1979. The programs involved in the study were the Genesee County Department of Social Services' Volunteer Services Parent-Aide Program; the Grand Rapids Child Guidance Clinic Parent-Aide Program; and the Oakland County Cooperative Extension Service Parent-Aide Program. Nine families from each site who were referred by Department of Social Services' case workers as having parents who were neglectful of their children during the summer of 1978, and the parent-aides to whom the families were assigned were the subjects of the study. Measures of family and parental functioning, self-concept, social isolation, and interactions with others were taken for each family between the fourth and sixth months of the year and then between the eighth and eleventh months of the year. Descriptive information about parent-aides and the organizations sponsoring the programs was also secured. Results suggest that families do change during the period of their involvement with parent-aides. Families spent more time with their children; became less dependent on social service agencies; developed new relationships which reduced their isolation; showed positive change on measures of family functioning, especially parenting skills, family bonding, and self-image; and exhibited improved parental functioning, especially in the areas of nutrition and health, discipline, and family interaction. Slight differences in outcomes were observed across programs suggesting that characteristics of programs are associated with specific results. (Author/MP)