The law places a high value on marriage and the family. That value is carried forward in defining marriage; setting conditions for the state to interfere with marriage; fixing the responsibilities of marriage and family; and detailing when a family may break up and setting ongoing responsibilities when that happens. But, there are limits to the law. For example, the religion of Luisa and Sam may require that they be married by a minister. It may also require that each make certain promises, one to the other. Whether Luisa and Sam do so, however, is a matter of conscience. The law will neither force them to have or stop them from having a religious wedding.

Termination of parental rights (TPR) is not only a matter of the family any more. Now, we face termination of parental rights as one of social institution on what should be guided for child rearing practice and why we should make a decision to intervene the State into the family. This study seeks to provide empirical evidence that examine why and to what extent children who have been exposed to child maltreatment and placed in foster care experience TPR and permanency outcome of adoption. The discussion of this study includes the deliberate discussion on the parentchild relationship and the primary principles of the State intervention into the family in cases of child abuse and neglect with a review on the legal standards/ grounds for the involuntary TPR for foster children according to the changes of child welfare policy goals in the American society. Since the ASFA of 1997 was enacted, in particular, it has been widely accepted that TPR proceedings for foster children who cannot be reunified with their natural parents should be pursued. Thus, it can be argued that the involuntary TPR becomes an alternative to family preservation/reunification and an essential mechanism to achieve the permanency outcome for children in foster care. This book is addressed to social workers and policy makers in the child welfare field as well as practitioners in family law. It is also directed towards researchers in social practice and policy, child welfare and family services.

Women are still discovering-the hard way-just how difficult and unpredictable child custody cases can be. The first and most comprehensive book of its kind, this is a complete insider's guide filled with crucial advice from judges, lawyers, therapists, and mothers who have experienced this challenging legal process. It is designed for women at every stage of divorce and covers a wide range of legal strategies, as well as financial and psychological issues. This updated edition describes how to use technology advantageously and pitfalls to avoid, as well as changes in interstate custody laws and essential topics such as:
- Choosing a lawyer
- What to expect before and in court
- Blended families
- Domestic violence risk factors for women
- What makes a custody agreement good or bad
- Dealing with your emotions
- Parental kidnapping cases
- An appendix of recommended reading

Drawing on her extensive experience in counseling families and individuals with sexual problems, psychologist Margretta Dwyer delivers a timely look at some of the sexual issues facing us today in "Understand Offending."

Dwyer believes the emphasis on natural, healthy sexual development is imperative to creating an atmosphere conducive to debunking myths and false teachings on sexuality. Dwyer also focuses on those who commit sexual offences and explores the reasons behind their problems.

This detailed, practical guide explores issues facing children, teenagers, and adults in the often-confusing world of sexual behaviour. With a comprehensive glossary and an easy-to-understand format, "Understand Offending" unveils the misconceptions surrounding sexual offences and offers a clear path to healing through therapy.

"Readers of Dwyer's book will find a wealth of practical advice regarding the webs of sexual anguish."-Robert T. Francoeur, Ph.D., author, "The Continuum Complete International Encyclopaedia of Sexuality"

More than 1.1 million women are actively involved in divorce each year and all need solid financial advice to help make this transition less painful. In FAIR SHARE DIVORCE FOR WOMEN, Second Edition, Certified Financial Planner Kathleen Miller has created a comprehensive guide to help you completely integrate all the financial aspects of your divorce into a personalized and sound financial plan.
This completely revised and expanded second edition includes updated statistics, recent case studies that reflect modern marriages, complete indexing, and a comprehensive appendix of resources. Kathleen Miller has added new topics and chapters, including:
current economic impacts on retirement and benefits planningdealing with a disparity of earnings post-divorce career planning and maintenance strategiesbusiness valuation and successionlong-term care and other insurance provisionschild support and parenting planspre-and post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements
Grounded in the experiences of her more than 3,000 clients, Kathleen Miller's advice is clear and concise. FAIR SHARE DIVORCE FOR WOMEN, Second Edition will offer you the guidance and support you need to safeguard your marital assets, and will empower you to take control of your divorce and financial future.

Child Welfare and the Law provides an overview of the child welfare and judicial systems in the USA. It examines the federal and state legislative and judicial foundations of modern child welfare practice; court decisions and their impact on the rights of birthparents, foster parents, and children; class action suits and their impact on child welfare; and the role of child welfare workers in the legal process. Appendices provide detailed instruction on conducting legal research and excerpts from a consent decree. The fully-updated third edition includes new chapters on adoption law and professional liability. The author has also expanded his original chapters on the rights of birth parents and foster parents and legal research strategies.

"Divorce and Family Law in California" provides a clear, concise, and complete guide to divorce and family law in California. Topics covered include: Marriage, Divorce, Annulment, Legal Separation, Property, Debts, Spousal Support, Unmarried Couples, Paternity, Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Guardianship, Adoption, Dependent Children, Children's Names, Restraining Orders.

A California attorney since 1978, Bob Pickus works for the Alameda County Employees' Retirement Association in Oakland, addressing primarily the impact of divorce on retirement benefits. He also volunteers for the Volunteer Legal Services Corporation in Oakland, providing weekly divorce and family law clinics and follow-up services for low-income persons.

This book is the fifth in the Cambridge Socio-Legal Group series and it concerns the evolving notions and practices of kinship in contemporary Britain and the interrelationship of kinship, law and social policy. Assembling contributions from scholars in a range of disciplines, it examines social, legal, cultural and psychological questions related to kinship. Rising rates of divorce and of alternative modes of partnership have raised questions about the care and well-being of children, while increasing longevity and mobility, together with lower birth rates and changes in our economic circumstances, have led to a reconsideration of duties and responsibilities towards the care of elderly people. In addition, globalisation trends and international flows of migrants and refugees have confronted us with alternative constructions of kinship and with the challenges of maintaining kinship ties transnationally. Finally, new developments in genetics research and the growing use of assisted reproductive technologies may raise questions about our notions of kinship and of kin rights and responsibilities. The book explores these changes from various perspectives and draws on theoretical and empirical data to describe practices of kinship in contemporary Britain.

Divorce is the worst investment that both parties ever dreamed of, you cannot borrow money against it, but you can go broke because of it. So do it right This book is a MUST READ if you're starting (or even in the middle of) your divorce proceedings. It covers vital aspects of your divorce process. Aspects that if you don't address will cost you both financially and emotionally. This Book was written after two years of research by Alan Weiss together with some of Australia's top Family Law barristers. Written in an easy to read style, This Is Your Divorce (Not Your Lawyer's) is aimed squarely at normal people going through the often horrendous turmoil of divorce. This book is designed to give you an overall framework on how to manage your divorce. What are the common pitfalls when hiring a legal team, what to look out for in different phases of your proceedings. Remember this is your divorce, not your lawyer's. You need to be actively involved in how the process progresses and take control of your divorce. Your lawyer can and will advise you about many aspects, but in the end, you are ultimately responsible for making the decisions that will shape your future.

Opponents of same-sex marriage in the United States claim that allowing gays and lesbians to marry would undermine the institution of marriage, weaken family structures, and cause harm to children. Drawing from 17 years of data and experience with same-sex marriage in Scandinavia (in the form of registered partnerships), Gay Marriage: For Better or for Worse? is the first book to present empirical evidence about the effects of same-sex marriage on society. Spedale and Eskridge find that the evidence refutes conservative defense-of-marriage arguments and, in fact, demonstrates that the institution of marriage may indeed benefit from the legalization of gay marriage. If we look at the proof from abroad, the authors show, we must conclude that the sanctioning of gay marriage in the United States would neither undermine marriage as an institution, nor harm the wellbeing of our nation's children. "A very interesting book that people should read." --Bill O'Reilly, Host, The O'Reilly Factor "Whatever your views are now on same-sex marriage, this is the book to read to be informed about why same sex couples want legal recognition and what legal union means to them and to the larger community. Spedale and Eskridge give detailed accounts of the effects of registered partnerships in Scandinavia--and along the way, offer fascinating and engaging pictures of many people's lives." --Martha Minow, Jeremiah Smith Jr. Professor, Harvard Law School "Spedale and Eskridge illuminate with remarkable even-handedness a debate that tends to generate more heat than light. They provide a cogent analysis of conservative arguments that same-sex matrimony threatens conventional marriage, and argue persuasively that enabling same-sex partners to marry may actually strengthen that beleaguered institution." --John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress "An important and timely contribution. It should be required reading for anyone interested in the future of families in America." --Martha Albertson Fineman, Robert W. Woodruff Professor, Emory Law School

Unmarried heterosexual cohabitation is rapidly increasing in Britain and over a quarter of children are now born to unmarried cohabiting parents. This is not just an important change in the way we live in modern Britain; it is also a political and theoretical marker. Some commentators see cohabitation as evidence of selfish individualism and the breakdown of the family, while others see it as just a less institutionalised way in which people express commitment and build their families. Politically, 'stable' families are seen as crucial - but does stability simply mean marriage? At present the law in Britain retains important distinctions in the way it treats cohabiting and married families and this can have deleterious effects on the welfare of children and partners on cohabitation breakdown or death of a partner. Should the law be changed to reflect this changing social reality? Or should it - can it - be used to direct these changes? Using findings from their recent Nuffield Foundation funded study, which combines nationally representative data with in-depth qualitative work, the authors examine public attitudes about cohabitation and marriage, provide an analysis of who cohabits and who marries, and investigate the extent and nature of the 'common law marriage myth' (the false belief that cohabitants have similar legal rights to married couples). They then explore why people cohabit rather than marry, what the nature of their commitment is to one another and chart public attitudes to legal change. In the light of this evidence, the book then evaluates different options for legal reform.

The Family Court was a progressive reform of the 1970s. Now it is perhaps the most hated institution in Australia. In the first Quarterly Essay of 2005, John Hirst investigates what went wrong. This is a measured yet unsparing appraisal which interleaves individual cases with compelling legal and moral argument. Hirst takes us deep into the workings of the Court and the domestic apocalypses it sees every day. He explores the Court's fervour to uphold the best interests of the child no matter what and traces its chilling consequence- a court where malicious allegations regularly go unpunished. He notes the Court's enormous power over individual lives, as well as its self-proclaimed status as a 'caring court', and wonders at its ability to overlook the defiance of its own authority. In closing, he considers how to reform an institution that has bred antagonism and extremism and too often entrenched paranoia and despair. Lucid and urgent, 'Kangaroo Court' is a cautionary tale about the perils of high-mindedness when it comes to dealing with the breakdown of families. 'When Family Court judges talk piously of the 'caring court', I wish they could hear the roar of pain that their piety has caused.' - John Hirst, 'Kangaroo Court'

CONTENTS Introduction Canada Quebec France Germany [Federal Republic] Great Britain Japan Scandinavian Countries

This self-help book is an in-depth look into the struggles of the Christian author as he fights through the debilitating pain of marital separation. His journey of faith, hope, and love, is both encouraging and extremely comforting. (Christian Religion)

A History of Child Protection in America is the first comprehensive history of American efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect. The book begins in colonial times and chronicles child protection into the twenty-first century. Among the important nineteenth century events detailed in these pages are the rise of orphanages for "dependent" children, the "orphan trains" operated by the New York Children's Aid Society, the birth of the juvenile court, the reforms of the Children's Progressive Era, and the dramatic rescue of Mary Ellen Wilson, which led to the creation of the world's first organization devoted entirely to child protection, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Twentieth century milestones include the gradual transition from private child protection societies to government operated child protection, the obscurity of child abuse from the 1920's to the 1960's, the "discovery" of child abuse in 1962, and the creation of the child protection system we know today.

In still another of God's fair lands a child entered the world, and he grew toward manhood vigorous and lusty; but he heeded not his parents' commands, and when his disobedience had been long continued, the fathers of the tribe decreed that he should be stoned to death, for so it was written in the sacred books. And as the youth was the absolute property of his parents, and as by common consent they had full liberty to deal with him as seemed good to them, they consented unto his death, that his soul might be saved alive, and the evening sun shone crimson on his dead body as it lay upon the sands of the desert.

No matter what your age, divorce is one of life’s greatest challenges. But while your parents, friends, and lawyers may be chock-full of advice, the truth is that young women who divorce today face a brand-new set of issues and possibilities far removed from those of women a generation before. If you’re looking for a fresh, empowering, and thoroughly modern guide to starting this new chapter of your life, Not Your Mother’s Divorce offers the ultimate roadmap—from wading through legal jargon to getting back into society—as told by your best girlfriends who’ve been there.

Based on the experiences of more than thirty women who divorced in their twenties and thirties without children, Not Your Mother’s Divorce offers camaraderie and practical counsel on:
Breaking the news to family and friends
Coping with sudden singledom—from living arrangements to changing your name
Protecting yourself financially and dividing your assets
Legalese 101—making the legal process work for you
Reentering the dating scene
How to handle encounters with your ex

Warm and insightful, Not Your Mother’s Divorce gives you the tools to find your way through this difficult time—and emerge a stronger, wiser, happier you.

You never wanted to be in this position, but you are. Now, faced with the prospect of a custody dispute, you need to make smart choices. "Winning Custody "can help. this book-written by a woman who is an experienced psychotherapist, a mom, and a veteran of a bitter custody dispute-will help you find your way, maintain your sanity, and keep your kids from being caught in the custody cross fire.
"Winning Custody "is geared specifically toward women seeking custody of their children. It offers advice on how to navigate the complicated legal maze of the custody process, giving step-by-step guidance on:
-How to find a good-and affordable-lawyer
-What to wear in court (it's more important than you might think)
-How to effectively communicate with you ex
-How to parent your child firmly, lovingly, and consistently throughout the crisis period
-How to defuse your fears of losing your children
-And how to love and believe in yourself during this most difficult time

Child Protective Services practice is multifaceted and challenging, requiring professionals to make difficult decisions that profoundly impact children and families. This second edition of Helping in Child Protective Services: A Competency-Based Handbook is a comprehensive desk reference that serves as both a daily guide for workers and a training tool for supervisors and administrators. This invaluable resource provides CPS workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist vulnerable families, covering such key issues as assessment, decision making, intervention, child development, medical evaluation, accountability, and the legal framework of culturally responsive practice.

The handbook begins with a diary that describes a typical CPS case from initial report to case closure in order to illustrate the complexity of the CPS system and the situations CPS workers might encounter. The book also covers the history of CPS and the laws governing intervention when children are mistreated. Specifically, this handbook helps CPS professionals and students explore the casework process from intake through case closure with step-by-step instructions and examples; learn about child development, key developmental milestones, and the importance of intervention; understand the medical evaluation of child abuse and neglect through a detailed guide of various forms and indicators of abuse and neglect; learn how to structure interviews and phrase questions to obtain information from families and guide the casework process; and understand the importance of accountable practice to families, their agencies, and the public.

This latest edition of Helping in Child Protective Services compiles the most up-to-date research and practice information to help professionals provide the highest quality and most innovative services to children and families.

With the narrative force of an epic novel and the urgency of first-rate investigative journalism, this important book delves into the daily workings and life-or-death decisions of a typical American family court system. It provides an intimate look at the lives of the parents and children whose fate it decides. A must for social workers and social work students, attorneys, judges, foster parents, law students, child advocates, teachers, journalists and anyone who cares about our nation's children.

This book is concerned with the regulation of family relationships,in particular the issue of openness and contact in the many different family situations in which it may arise. The shift towards a presumption of contact, and its articulation within diverse fields of family law and practice raises a whole series of questions which this book seeks to explore. For example: Why has the contact presumption emerged? What is meant by contact, and with whom. What is the value and purpose of it? What makes it work or not work? What is the role of law and other forms of external intervention in promoting, regulating or facilitating contact and to what extent should 'familial' relationships be subject to state regulation? More broadly, what can we infer about current conceptualisations of family, parenting (and the relative importance of social and biological parenthood) and childhood from policy and practice towards contact? These and other questions were explored in a series of seminars organised by the Cambridge Socio-Legal Group in 2002. The book is the product of these seminars. Andrew Bainham, Belinda Brooks-Gordon, Ann Buchanan, Shelley Day Sclater, Judy Dunn, John Eekelaar, Bob Geldof, Jonathan Herring, Claire Hughes, Joan Hunt, Adrian James, Julie Jessop, Felicity Kaganas, Bridget Lindley, Mavis Maclean, Joanna Miles, Katrin Mueller-Johnson, Elsbeth Neil, Jan Pryor, Martin Richards, Bob Simpson, Donna Smith, Liz Trinder