A survey of more than 2,000 families found that only 17 per cent were not experiencing any major difficulties within their family. The most frequently cited problems were divorce or separation, which was affecting 43 per cent of survey respondents, followed by redundancy or long-term unemployment, which was cited by 40 per cent of those polled.
Other problems included death of an immediate family member, caring for a dependent with a disability or serious illness, terminal or critical illness, serious debt, alcohol or drug addiction, domestic violence and homelessness.
When asked about the best course of action for dealing with families in crisis, 91 per cent cited practical help and support.
The research was published by 4Children to mark the launch of its campaign 'Give Me Strength', which aims to put pressure on central and local government to implement early intervention initiatives.
Anne Longfield, (right), chief executive of 4Children, said, 'We know that all families go through tough times. How well families cope with these problems makes all the difference as to whether they can stay together and their children can flourish.
'We need to stop crisis-managing families and instead provide more support early on so that they have the strength and skills they need to overcome the problems that inevitably will arise. We need to stop stigmatising families that struggle. Our research shows that serious challenges are widespread. We need to be more honest about this so that families don't feel they have to suffer in silence for fear of being branded a failure.'
Children's minister Sarah Teather and the Government's poverty advisor Frank Field were due to attend the 4Children annual policy conference on Tuesday.
4Children has launched a new website outlining the charity's priority areas for making early intervention a practical reality, at www.givemestrength.org.uk.