Examines various factors (such as periods of high emotion, ritual and claiming behaviors and positive interaction) in the attachment process between adoptive parents and older children. Shows that most components parallel those of bonding in biological parents. (Author/RH)

The reasons why boys who are victims of incest remain silent are explored in terms of the special meaning of victimization to males. Males' inability to express helplessness and vulnerability is identified as a major contributing factor. (CM)

Argues that the adoption worker can play a significant role in helping couples understand and surmount (prior to adoption) the trauma normal to infertility. (MS)

Focuses on the perceptions of parents of adolescent runaways. Parents were questioned about the extent to which they felt empathetic understanding and positive regard from their children and were asked to report their perceptions of why their children ran away and to describe specific precipitating incidents. Implications for practice are pointed…

Based on personal experience and a professional perspective, presents a theory about adult adoptees' reunions with their biological family. Identifies four stages of postreunion emotions: (1) paralysis; (2) eruption; (3) loss and grief; and (4) empowerment. Three factors that impact these stages are reunion success, reunion timing, and the fact…

Systems and communications theories applied to the delicate task of matching children with families promise an objective method for understanding the complexities of family relationships. The author shows how one agency successfully incorporated sophisticated theoretical tools into a study process evaluating the stability of foster family…

Explores professionals' practice of heightening the awareness of child abuse victims as either a goal or a by-product of the investigation-treatment process. Suggests guidelines indicating when it may be advisable to heighten awareness during treatment and when it should be avoided. (HOD)

Provides plot summaries of books for young readers two to nine years of age that present images of different types of family life. Books about the origin and development of families, family roles and relationships, alternate caretakers as well as books focusing on nonsexist roles, and emotions are briefly described. (Author/RH)

Summarizes the dialogue and issues of a joint conference on foster children attended by foster children 5-20 years old. The group explored the children's thoughts and feelings about foster care. A subsequent meeting attended by foster parents and caseworkers is also discussed. (RWB)