The purpose of this study is to explore family life issues of institutionalized single-mother families in Seoul. Using in-depth interviews and self-administered questionnaires, this study is focused on the needs assessments of social workers and institutionalized single-mothers. Subjects were 4 social workers and 31 institutionalized single-mothers. The results of study showed that institutionalized single-mother families experienced economic, child rearing, emotional problems, negative stigma and the loss of social networks. Future research, theoretical and practical implications are added.