Does Family Preservation Serve a Child's Best Interests?

by Howard Altstein, Ruth G. McRoy

Overview

In this new volume, two distinguished professors of social work debate the question of whether family preservation or adoption serves the best interests of abused and neglected children.

Arguing the merits of keeping families together whenever possible, Ruth G. McRoy examines the background, theory, and effectiveness of family preservation programs. She provides practical recommendations and pays particular attention to the concerns of African American children.

Claiming that there is insufficient evidence that family preservation actually works, Howard Altstein counters that children from truly dysfunctional families should be given the chance for stable lives through adoption rather than left in limbo.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589013124
Publisher:	Georgetown University Press
Publication date:	08/02/2000
Series:	Controversies in Public Policy series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	168
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Howard Altstein is a professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.

Ruth G. McRoy is director of the Center for Social Work Research, Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Ruby Lee Piester Centennial Professor in Services to Children and Families, at the University of Texas at Austin.

Editorial Reviews

Two professors of social work assume opposing positions on which policies are most likely to serve the best interests of children. Ruth G. McRoy (social work, U. of Texas-Austin) argues that children should remain with biological parents or be temporarily placed with relatives. Altstein (social work, U. of Maryland) argues that parents whose behavior necessitates the removal of their children are not likely to undergo sufficient change to become capable parents, and that children should be free for adoption as soon as possible. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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