Exploring the complex issues of trauma, attachment and family placement, the contributors to this book provide a variety of complementary perspectives on practice in this area. Focussing on how to integrate attachment theory and developmental psychology in practice with adopted or fostered children, they emphasise the need for understanding of early trauma and its effect on child development. Examining multiple aspects of work with children who are unable to live with their birth families, the book includes contributions on:
new approaches to matching children with families
effective management of contact with birth families
the neurobiological effects of trauma on children
problems and developmental challenges in school
the use of creative arts therapies with children and families. The book adopts an inclusive approach, valuing the parent as a central member of the therapeutic team. Contributions from user families illustrate the challenges of bringing up fostered or adopted children and show how the attachment-based approach has worked for them.
Bringing together a rich and innovative selection of ideas for adoption and fostering practice, this book will be a valuable resource for all involved with family support in this area.
--- from the publisher Contents: Foreword. Daniel A. Hughes.
Introduction: A Tapestry of Colours. Caroline Archer, Family Futures Consortium, London Part 1. State of Play: Current Theory and Practice.
1. Adoption and Permanence Today: A Discussion. Adrian Briggs, Family Futures Consortium, London.
2. The 'Coherent Narrative': Realism, Resources and Responsibility in Family Permanence. Elsie Price.
3. Setting up the Loom: Attachment Theory Revisited. Alan Burnell, Family Futures Consortium, London with Caroline Archer.
4. Weft and Warp: Developmental Impact of Trauma and Implications for Healing. Caroline Archer.
5. Clinical Concepts and Caregiving Contexts: A Consultant's Perspective. Jeanne Magagna, Principal Child Psychotherapist, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, London.
6. 'A Hard Day's Night': A Parent's Perspective. Lucy Greenmile. Part 2: State of the Art: Theory into Practice.
Jenny and Marty's Story Jay Vaughan, Family Futures Consortium, London.
7. Assessment: A Multi-disciplinary Approach. Alan Burnell.
8. Rationale for the Intensive Programme. Jay Vaughan and Alan Burnell.
9. The Drama of Adoption Jay Vaughan.
10. The Drama Unfolds. Jay Vaughan.
11. Contact as Therapy. Alan Burnell.
12. Holding the Fort. Christine Gordon, Family Futures Consortium, London.
13. Hands on Help. Christine Gordon.
14. Difficulty with Learning or Learning to be Difficult? Griselda Kellie-Smith, Family Futures Consortium, London. Part 3: State, Community and Family: The Future.
15. Weaving Together the Threads: Families with Futures. Caroline Archer. References. Index. | 
