TY - JOUR
T1 - Separation and reunification
T2 - Using attachment theory and research to inform decisions affecting the placements of children in foster care
AU - Goldsmith, Douglas F.
AU - Oppenheim, David
AU - Wanlass, Janine
PY - 2004
Y1 - 2004
N2 - Determinations regarding removal of children from home in maltreatment situations typically take into consideration the physical safety of the child. Less recognized and often underappreciated is the severe risk endured by the child as a result of separation from the caregiver, and the long-term effects of the separation on the child. This article describes recent developments in attachment theory and research and their usefulness for placement decisions. We will explain how a child develops a secure attachment to a caregiver and review the deleterious consequences associated with maltreatment and separation. The case of a child in a foster/adoptive placement will be discussed in order to clarify common misinterpretations of attachment research and how attachment theory and research can inform permanency decisions that are in the best interest of the child.
AB - Determinations regarding removal of children from home in maltreatment situations typically take into consideration the physical safety of the child. Less recognized and often underappreciated is the severe risk endured by the child as a result of separation from the caregiver, and the long-term effects of the separation on the child. This article describes recent developments in attachment theory and research and their usefulness for placement decisions. We will explain how a child develops a secure attachment to a caregiver and review the deleterious consequences associated with maltreatment and separation. The case of a child in a foster/adoptive placement will be discussed in order to clarify common misinterpretations of attachment research and how attachment theory and research can inform permanency decisions that are in the best interest of the child.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=3543094991&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1755-6988.2004.tb00156.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1755-6988.2004.tb00156.x
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:3543094991
SN - 0161-7109
VL - 55
SP - 1
EP - 13
JO - Juvenile and Family Court Journal
JF - Juvenile and Family Court Journal
IS - 2
ER -