Attachment theory, child maltreatment, and family support - David Howe

Recent advances in our understanding of children's social development have important implications for practice in the fields of child welfare, maltreatment, family support, adoption, residential and foster care. But they have not hitherto been systematically explored. This groundbreaking book constitutes the first clear and clinically useful summary.

In Part I, integrating major research findings and exciting theoretical developments, the authors introduce the basic patterns of attachment across the life span.

In Part II, they focus on applications. Their detailed description of a practice and assessment model for work with children and families leads practitioners step by step through the key stages of information gathering, analysis and assessment, formulation of aims, and methods of intervention. The model is then used to support a range of approaches to help.

Throughout, fascinating case material, relationship histories, and interview transcripts illustrate both theory and practice. The book will be an invaluable resource for all those working with children in need.