Children in families at risk

the long version

Over the last two decades, there has been an increasing appreciation of the importance of the family context in child therapy. In her previous, highly acclaimed book Children in Family Contexts, Lee Combrinck-Graham and her colleagues bridged the fields of child therapy and family therapy with an exploration of basic issues. Building upon that work, this volume describes actual programs that are based on the notion that family connections are substantial resources for healing and recovery even when the family is a very troubled one. With a particular focus on work with severely fractured families, most of these programs attempt to keep children connected with their own families, even when circumstances prevent them from living together. . Detailing a wide variety of situations, chapters cover cases involving children who are emotionally and behaviorally disturbed, children with psychiatric disorders, abusive parents, and parents with substance abuse problems. Where family preservation is not possible, chapter authors discuss new strategies to keep families involved in the treatment process. Taken together, the programs described in this book represent a significant shift in focus for mental health professionals working with children. Further illuminating the key role played by family connection in child health, Children in Families at Risk is essential reading for all practitioners who work with children and families. Written in an accessible style, it serves as a teaching text for advanced courses in family therapy, child psychotherapy, and school professionals. The book will also provide valuable insights for child welfare workers, policymakers, teachers, and attorneys and family court judges.