This book offers analysis of both the use and limitations of attachment theory as a basis for decisionmaking and planning in child welfare practice. It explores controversies relating to the increasing presence of ‘attachment disorder’ diagnoses as part of child welfare assessments and the arguments for and against the use of attachment specific therapies for children in care. It poses some important questions for child welfare students and practitioners, managers, policy-makers and academics across the fields of law, psychology, psychiatry and social work. It calls for a new pedagogy of relational child welfare which while appreciating the various attachment styles which children may exhibit, also understands them in the main as useful observations which can inform but should not determine professional interventions. Reviews: “This book is very engagingly written and provides a comprehensive and informative critique. I appreciate its balanced presentation of both limitations and value of attachment theory in current contexts”. Pam Joseph, University of Sydney “This volume adds to the attachment theory (AT) literature in a very significant way both in terms of carefully articulating the political social ecology of AT’s roots but the harm that is being done by misapplication. Those familiar with AT will benefit from the way theory is linked to the history of the profession while those less familiar will be effectively guided through the argument.” British Journal of Social Work "A valuable perspective on the use of attachment theory and research by practitioners. The authors highlight major discrepancies between research evidence and child welfare practice and offer some timely cautions." Robbie Duschinsky, University of Cambridge “A very important and thought-provoking book that critiques the development and use of attachment theory in child welfare policy and practice – highlighting serious limitations and contradictions, as well as the possibilities for ethical use in practice.” Anna Gupta, Royal Holloway, University of London "Very interesting, a good critical consideration of the topic." Michelle Lefevre, University of Sussex About the Authors: Susan White is professor of social work at the University of Birmingham. |