In their interviews our research subjects reconstructed their past and present understandings of how their caring situation had unfolded and been supported. Our interpretation of their account and their selfpresentation, together with contextual knowledge, allowed us to characterise their ‘caring strategy’, and the ‘biographical resources’ available to them. In sociological terms, this involved exploring both actions and meanings.

The strategies adopted by carers made a great difference to the scope and prospect of their lives, and to the lives of those they cared for. Mrs Bally and Mrs Buckley, despite their earlier activism, local connections and supportive husbands, both took the decisions concerning their adult children on themselves, and seemed blocked in finding a way forward. Defeated rather than passive by nature, they made few demands on the welfare system, but also contributed little in terms of energetic initiatives or the enhancing of Peter's and Melanie's future prospects. Their demoralisation may well have affected their own health and ability to cope. And, the more they retreated into the private sphere, the less they knew of the outside options and the less confidence they had in outside solutions. Carers who were outwardly-connected brought a wider range of information to biographical work and decision making. They became flexible, energetic and independent agents, able to make long-term plans and manage crises. The Meissners, through their proactive approach and myriad of social contacts, were widely acquainted with opportunities concerning disabled young people, which they avidly pursued. Frau Arndt's circle of friends – parents of disabled children – were similarly connected with Lebenshilfe's active role in the city, its new facilities and its rights work. The social sphere of the Meissners and of Frau Arndt was more than an extension and support for the private sphere of caring. it linked them with a wider social world. Outwardly-oriented carers were continually extending their own skills and knowledge, and greatly improving the life chances of their children. They were mobilising and adding to social capital, with two kinds of pay-off. They were extending their own capacities and skills, while their critical demands and ways of operating were also improving and shaping the welfare system.