This article reports on a case that resulted in a published court decision which illustrates a dilemma at the intersection of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). On first impression, the finding that teachers were operating based on professional principle seems to validate their actions.…

In 1978 Congress passed an astonishing piece of legislation that gave Native American tribes a considerable amount of jurisdiction over matters of child custody and the adoption of their children. In 1976, the Association of American Indian Affairs gathered statistics relevant to the adoption of Indian children that Congress found "shocking…

Every child gets assigned to a public or private school chosen by some adult. The question is which adult should hold that authority by law and exercise it in practice. Our Federal Constitution recognizes the authority of custodial parents; but our systems of tax-based schools effectively dethrone working-class parents and the poor; most of whose…

Surveys the literature and provides case examples supporting the view that social workers are uniquely qualified to evaluate child custody questions and can learn to handle themselves in the courtroom, either as employees of the court or as private consultants. (Author/NB)

Uses contested child custody cases between divorcing parents to examine the interconnections between legal and familial processes. Examines the structure of the legal system in relation to the factors leading to custody litigation, the strategies of parents contesting the custody of their children, and the impact of these actions on the legal…

Asserts that sole custody has not met the needs of the divorced family. Discusses the benefits of joint custody as an alternative that more realistically defines the postdivorce relationship between the child and both parents. The linkage between joint custody and divorce mediation is also discussed. (Author)

Addresses community attitude that angry adversarial divorces are normal and inevitable and asserts that, to change the divorce experience of Americans, the community attitude must change. Notes that one part of client community created and demanded and achieved joint custody and no fault divorce, and that it is up to the clients to demand and…

Contends that marital dissolution may inspire motivation for geographic and psychological distance, and when this occurs, there are serious implications for child custody determinations. Addresses complexities that arise in several realms when one parent desires to relocate and implications this may have for what transpires in therapy. (Author/NB)

Joint custody, the newest child custody alternative following divorce, is intended to benefit and serve the best interests of children. Unintended consequences, however, have been relatively unexplored, which raises questions as to the viability of joint custody for all families, regardless of social class, race, or ethnicity. Until further…

Explores the nature and extent of changes in single-parent childrearing and discusses the effects on counseling for both unmarried and divorced mothers and on the use of mediation. It also describes recent efforts to increase the father's financial responsibility. (Author/BL)

Suggests that although grandparents may play a significant role in the life of children, the legal position of grandparents in custodial matters remains ambiguous. Reviews recent legislation that has granted grandparents the right to seek visitation. Grandparenting may be a factor in actualizing the best interests of the child. (BH)

Describes experience of helping two sets of divorcing parents retain meaningful contact between young children and non-resident fathers. Argues that failure to consider past parenting practices, to grant children party status and give them independent representation, and to offer child-centered services to help parents practice shared parenting…

Notes that children whose parents divorce will experience a decline in the quality of their relationship with the noncustodial parent and that many children from divorced families will spend a significant amount of time without an adult male present. Calls for research to examine effects of weakened child-father bond. (NB)

Examines ethical issues in making policy decisions regarding divorce child custody disputes. Suggests dilemma occurs when legislator must decide between discretionary standard promoting best interest of child and nondiscretionary arbitrary assignment of custody. Advocates normative analysis of various types of dispute-settling processes and…

Notes that adoption agencies have developed few specific policies on the issue of lesbian and gay adoption. Provides an overview of key considerations about homosexual adopters, including beliefs and values of agency professionals, the legal and social ramifications of adoption into a relationship not based on marriage, and possible consequences…