Abstract: Family social work is a choice made in the modernization of families. The essence of family social work is to improve the whole family intervention and the family function. China’s social transformation gives families important responsibility of social protection, but it does not lend much support to families. The fresh needs arising out of functional shift remain to be responded to and the development of individuals and the society is affected. To reform family policy, develop family social work and give strong support to families should be the path and direction of the development of family social work in China.

Key words:  family social work; family modernization; development path