Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis unique volume highlights a major public health problem: the plight of vulnerable children in the foster care and homelessness systems. Within a social justice framework, Cheryl Zlotnick and her contributors give these children a voice to express the oppression, bias, racism, and power differentials underlying their care. By viewing these children as members of transitional families, this book describes how to reduce treatment disparities and unify service systems. It is a must-read that will change your views of how to best understand and care for these children. -- Ellen L. Bassuk, founder, The National Center on Family Homelessness A well-researched and valuable addition to the literature on homelessness... This book should help increase awareness of the needs of this very vulnerable population. PsycCritiques An important contribution to the field of child welfare. Journal of Children and Poverty [The book] complements well developmental research... But, it does much more as it provides compelling examples for other organizations and professionals to help foster children and families in need. Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I. Theories of Practice with Transitional Families 1. Transitional Families: Where Do I Begin?, by Cheryl Zlotnick and Luann DeVoss 2. "We Don't Get Whuppings Here Anymore": Toward a Collaborative, Ecological Model of Parenting, by Marguerite A. Wright 3. Giving Voice: An Exploration of the Integration of Social Justice and Infant Mental Health, by Erica Torres and Kathryn Orfirer Part II. Preparing the Organization for Its Work with Transitional Families 4. Letting Some Air into the Room: Opening Agency Space for Considerations of Culture and Power, by Lisa R. Berndt 5. Rediscovering Positive Work Relationships Within a Diverse Relationship-Based Organization: Serving Children in Transition, by Karen Thomas Part III. Promising Programs and Culturally Informed Interventions 6. Transforming Shame: Allowing Memories in Foster Care to Inform Interventions with Foster Youth, by Lou Felipe 7. Crossing the Border and Facing the System: Challenges Immigrant Families Experience When a Child Is Removed from Their Care and Placed into the Child Welfare System, by Rosario Murga-Kusnir 8. "I Am Bad!", by Roberto Macias Sanchez 9. "When Do I Get to Go Home?", by Peggy Pearson 10. The CATS Project: Helping Families Land on Their Feet, by Vance Hitchner Part IV. Needs for the Future 11. A Systems Dilemma: Intergenerational Foster Care and Homelessness, by Cheryl Zlotnick List of Contributors Index