Family-Focused Practice in Out-of-Home Care: A Handbook and Resource Directory.

BRAZIEL, Dennis J. (Ed.). Family-Focused Practice in Out-of-Home Care: A Handbook and Resource Directory. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America Press, 1996. 284pp. $18.95 (p).

The vast majority of children who enter out-of-home care will return to their homes and families. Recognizing that "blood is thicker than therapy," in the words of one executive director, agencies that work with children and families are developing an array of services that maintain, support, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. This handbook is designed to help child welfare managers and administrators bring a family focus to their policy and program structures. Theoretical sections outline the values and principles of family-focused practice, while first-person narratives describe successful strategies for moving boards, reeducating staff members, and involving communities in the paradigm shift from child-centered to family-centered services. The Resource Guide provides handouts for training and intra-agency communication, a bibliography, and samples of the forms successful agencies use to welcome and engage families.