Attachment Theory for Social Work Practice

This book is recommended not just to those working in the field of child protection and family therapy, but also to those interested in promoting positive health and well-being for children and their carers.' - Kay French, Community Practitioner 'David Howe has identified a major gap in the literature... A substantial book, which explores attachment in the wider context of developmental psychology and especially the development of the infant's social relationships. Despite its avowed practice focus, it is well researched and scholarly, and provides a comprehensive synthesis of a complex and developing field.' - Child Psychology and Psychiatry

The quality of early social relationships has a deep bearing on our psychological and social development; This book addresses the needs of social workers in understanding and assessing the nature and origins of such disturbed social relationships.The quality of early social relationships has a deep bearing on our psychological and social development; adversity in childhood can lead to adult relationships that may be difficult and distressing. This book addresses the needs of social workers in understanding and assessing the nature and origins of such disturbed social relationships. Taking a comprehensive and wide-ranging look at the theories emerging in and around attachment theory, it provides a sophisticated but accessible base from which social workers can make sensitive assessments and develop humane practices.