Here is a comprehensive source of vital information on single parent families in contemporary society. This book analyzes literature and empirical research concerning single parent families and explores issues and challenges they face. Contributing authors from many fields and perspectives examine a broad range of subjects relating to families in which one person is primarily responsible for parenting. The only state-of-the-art compendium on the topic of single parent families available today, the book synthesizes empirical, theoretical, and contemporary literature about the diversity, myths, and realities of single parent families in western countries. Each chapter contains a demographic overview, definitions, a literature review, and implications for practice, research, education, and social policy. Theoretical and conceptual perspectives related to parenting and wider families are included. An analysis, synthesis, and commentary on single parent families concludes the volume. Themes highlighted throughout the book include socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of single parent families, cultural and ethnic features, and legal and ethical components. Some chapter topics include: single parenthood following divorce single parenthood following death of a spouse never married teen mothers and fathers female-headed homeless families adoptions by single parents noncustodial mothers and fathers grandparents as primary parents single parents of children with disabilities Single Parent Families contains additional resources useful for family professionals: an annotated bibliography, a video/filmography, and a national community resource list. The book is intended for a multidisciplinary audience, including sociologists, psychologists, health care professionals, social workers, therapists, and other researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and educators. An ideal primary or reference text for undergraduate and graduate level programs, the book can also serve as a tool for staff development and continuing education in service agencies.

A groundbreaking collection of writings on the growing phenomenon of single-parent families in the United States, and how it impacts society as a whole. Focus on Single-Parent Families: Past, Present, and Future brings together in one volume a range of cutting-edge research articles and essays on what has become the most dynamic change in family structure in U.S. history. It is the only resource to make the most insightful and important work being done on the single-parent family phenomena accessible to general readers. Focus on Single-Parent Families helps readers go beyond the stereotypes and look closely at the complexity of families with one parent and consider their place in society. It encompasses the wide variety of households with a single parent—a family structure that promises to continue to grow and diversify. Throughout, the book gauges the impact of the increasing number of single-parent families on the nation as a whole, particularly in regard to policies concerning family welfare, children's services and health care, schools, and other essential social institutions.

Provides snapshots of family life guided by a postmodern perspective. First presents theoretical literature, then experiential pieces on what it is like and what it means to be in a family. Discusses eight theoretical frameworks for studying families, then gives accounts of family rituals, construct

Child Abuse as a social problem in the Caribbean has only within the past thirty years gained recognition and attention since the emphasis was placed on the more prevalent maternal and child health problems. The phenomenon of child abuse and neglect, however, is not clearly defined due to inadequate surveillance systems within the territories. Studies based on reported cases have established that there are traditional child rearing practices which adversely affect some Caribbean children due to many factors ranging from poverty, inequality, oppression, gender issues, socio-economic disadvantages and loss of values. Because of these deficiencies, various forms of child abuse have been identified particularly in the urban areas which may be considered the outcome of abnormalities in the parent /child relationship and of the society. The Book presents a comprehensive portrayal of the phenomenon of child abuse and neglect in Caribbean society drawing on research and clinical experience. It incorporates history, case scenarios and a variety of effective intervention strategies. In addition, it explains case management procedures focusing on how various professions can become involved in the child protection process; and the need to convey in a different light the changes that need to occur to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. The Book is written for professionals who work in the best interest of children on a daily basis and intended to offer a good basic introduction to the topic. It is a useful tool for therapists, educators, students, social workers, nurses, police officers. It is intended to stimulate those who read it not only to improve their day-to-day practice in responding to child abuse but will also broaden their perspective about child abuse and neglect. The Book also explains how the needs of children and the relationship between them and their parents are predictive of child abuse and neglect; and examines its nature, causes, recognition and response, its effects on children, the legislation and the social and other obstacles to effective implementation of the Law. The author draws attention to the fact that the majority of this study focuses primarily on people of African descent since little is known about children in other ethnic groups.

An increasing number of families are becoming homeless, often as a result of domestic violence, which leaves women and their school age children without homes. This multidisciplinary volume is the first to look at the variety of problems encountered by this group and to propose strategies for managing those problems. The contributors to this book provide evidence that homeless children often have more acute problems and needs than other children; as a result of the insecurity of their situation, they may experience physical health problems and developmental delay. They are also at high risk of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as sleep disturbance, eating problems, aggression, over-activity, anxiety, depression and self-harm. At the same time, due to their unstable situation, they are less able to access support from the health, education and social services. Homeless Children defines the specific problems and needs of homeless children, and draws up practical guidelines for staff and agencies on recognising and dealing with those problems. It then looks at policy and service development for homeless families in education, health and social care, and concludes that conventional methods of provision have to be adapted to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable group.