Developmental Psychology for Family Law Professionals : Theory, application and the best interests of the child

The goal of every family social worker and mental health practitioner is to improve family court outcomes in the best interests of the child. This book will assist social workers 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. This book helps social workers and mental health practitioners gain a broader understanding of each child's unique needs when in the midst of family crisis. It presents the new research tools and techniques with which professionals might better address the developmental needs, synchronies, and trajectories of a given child. Ultimately, this book presents guidelines for addressing the changing developmental needs of children who have experienced crises such as abuse, neglect, relocation, divorce, and much more. Key topics include: Child custody; Foster and adoptive care; Post-divorce disputes; Gay and lesbian caregiving conflicts; Domestic violence cases; Restraining orders; Abuse and neglect charges; Incarcerated parents and visitation rights; Relocation, 'distance parenting,' and the related digital visitation technology; Visitation resistance and refusal/reunification; and, Parental Alienation/alignment and estrangement.