Developmental Psychology for Family Law Professionals

'[T]he best and most useful social science text I have read in a decadeO.It is comprehensive in its research and scope, clearly written and uses excellent case studies and examples to illustrate in simple terms what might otherwise be complex phenomena.'--Dr. Tom Altobelli Federal Magistrate, Family Law Courts Sydney, AustraliaThe goal of every family law professional and mental health practitioner is to improve family court outcomes in the best interests of the child. This book will assist 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. This book helps family law and mental health professionals gain a broader understanding of each child's unique needs when in the midst of family crisis. It presents developmental theories with which professionals might better assess the developmental needs, synchronies, and trajectories of a given child. Ultimately, this book presents guidelines for making appropriate legal decisions and recommendations for children who have experienced crises such as abuse, neglect, relocation, divorce, and much more. Key topics include:Custodial schedulesFoster and adoptive carePost-divorce disputesTermination of parental rightsPsychological assessment and diagnosisIncarcerated parents and visitation rightsRelocation and 'distance parenting' Visitation resistance and refusal/reunificationParental Alienation/alignment and estrangementTheories of cognitive, language, and social development