Developmental Psychology for Family Law Professionals: Theory, Application, and the Best Interests of the Child

by Garber, Benjamin D., Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9780826105257
• ISBN10: 0826105254
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-01
• Publisher: Springer Pub Co

Summary

The goal of every legal and mental health professional working in family law is to improve outcomes in the best interests of the child. This book assists readers in meeting this critical goal. Developmental Psychology for Family Law Professionals serves as a practical application of developmental theory to the practice of family law.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgment	p. xv
One Size Can Never Fit All	p. 1
Why a Perspective on Child and Family Development?	p. 5
Caveat Lector: On the Limitations and Relevance of Developmental Theory, Statistics, and Methods	p. 19
Developmental Theory in Overview	p. 41
Cognitive Development	p. 43
Language Development	p. 55
Social and Emotional Development	p. 69
The Child's Defense Mechanisms: Regression, Stress, and Impediments to Developmental Capacity	p. 95
Developmental Asynchrony and Décalage	p. 105
In the Best Developmental Interests of the Child: Topics in Separation, Visitation, and Reunification	p. 141
A Child's Understanding of Time, Separation, and Loss	p. 143
Custodial Schedules and Infant Overnights	p. 153
On Visitation Resistance and Refusal	p. 165
Growing Up Apart: Child–Parent Separation	p. 179
Development and Parent–Child Reunification	p. 201
Development and the Termination of Parental Rights	p. 215
Advanced Applications of Developmental Theory to Family Law Practice	p. 227
What Is a “Mature Minor”?	p. 229
Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis in Family Law	p. 247
Alienation, Estrangement, and Alignment: The Tools and Weapons of Affiliation	p. 263
Development in the Mirror: On Becoming (and Remaining) a Family Law Professional	p. 279
Appendices
Learn More Now: Agencies, Organizations, and Experts	p. 295
Preserving Families, Serving Children's Needs, and Building Our Shared Future: A Proposal for a National Program of Continuing Parent Education	p. 309
Select Resources for Involuntary Separation: Incarcerated, Enlisted, or Hospitalized Parents	p. 311
Mentoring Youth: Anchoring Kids Cast Adrift	p. 319
On Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Vicarious Traumatization	p. 321
References	p. 325
Index	p. 381
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