Canadian and British study examined impact of divorce on noncustodial fathers' disengagement. Results from 80 noncustodial fathers generated two distinct profiles of noncustodial fathers and marked discontinuity between pre- and postdivorce father-child relationships. Findings suggest transition period from point of divorce to 6-12 months after…

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)

Presents national data on each state's legislative approach to custody cases involving allegations of domestic violence. Findings suggest that each regulatory schema has strengths and weaknesses, but that these approaches have been developed without the benefit of extensive study. (Contains 45 references and 1 table.) (GCP)

Custody planning among parents living with HIV or AIDS (PLHAs) can buffer the negative impact of parental death. The formal and informal custody plans for 594 children by 253 PLHAs and the relationships among custody plans, parental health, and psychosocial status were examined. About one-half of the parents had no formal custody plan. Parents…

A national survey of 517 mothers without custody of at least one child revealed a great range in their reactions to their nontraditional role. Although many mothers reported feeling guilty and uncomfortable, a significant number felt well adjusted, and these two groups are contrasted. Offers practice implications for social workers. (Author)

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)

Findings from 371 parents who sought help from missing children's organizations provided profile of families in which children were abducted by 1 of parents. Abductors were described as less educated and less likely to be employed than searching parents. Three-fourths of abducted children were younger than seven years of age; most abductions…

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…

A model of service for parents undergoing divorce and considering joint custody of their children is described. The model integrates several intervention strategies, including mediation, group treatment, divorce counseling, and child guidance. The applicability of the model to a range of problems related to divorce and child custody is…

Examines patterns of use and predictors of unmet needs among a sample of 74 Latino grandparent caregivers. Lack of knowledge was the major barrier to service use, and predictors of unmet needs included low education, poor health, high levels of life stress, and lack of reliable help with child rearing. (Author/GCP)

Reviews literature comparing risk that battered women and men who batter will physically abuse their children. Challenges several tenets of social work practice lore and cautions practitioners about use of psychological tests and profiles to judge child abuse potential and parenting ability. Discusses hazards of mediation and joint custody and…

Notes that mediation as problem-solving intervention in social work became widely used in child custody and divorce cases, child-parent conflicts, and family disputes. Argues that mediator role is inherent in social work, and examines context for and assumptions underlying it. Discusses nature of conflicts, issue of neutrality within social work…

Reviews the recent history of custody conflicts between foster and birth parents in the Pennsylvania courts. Traces the development of laws relating to foster care and examines conflicts between the legal system and child welfare services. (JAC)