Children and Families/Child and Family Welfare

1280. ACKERMAN, M.J., ACKERMAN, M.C., STEFFEN, L.J., & KELLEY- POULOS, S.

Psychologists’ practices compared to the expectations of family law judges and attorneys in child custody cases.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(1): 41-60, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

mjackerman@aol.com

Three recent studies have explored the practices of psychologists (Ackerman & Ackerman, 1997), family law judges’ expectations (Ackerman & Steffen, 2001 ), and family law attorneys’ expectations (Ackerman & Kelley-Poulos, 2001 ) in child custody cases. This study compares psychologists’ practices with judges’ and attorneys’ expectations as previously reported in the above studies. Similarities and differences among the groups are analyzed and discussed. Psychologists, judges, and attorneys are more alike than different in their practices, with notable exceptions reported. Implications for interpretation and recommendations in child custody cases are discussed. (Journal abstract.)

1281. ANDERSON, C.A.

An update on the effects of playing violent video games.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(1): 113-122, Feb 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

caa@iastatc.edu

This article presents a brief overview of existing research on the effects of exposure to violent video games. An updated meta- analysis reveals that exposure to violent video games is significantly linked to increases in aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, and cardiovascular arousal, and to decreases in helping behavior. Experimental studies reveal this linkage to be causal. Correlational studies reveal a linkage to serious, real-world types of aggression. Methodologically weaker studies yielded smaller effect sizes than methodologically stronger studies, suggesting that previous meta-analytic studies of violent video games underestimate the true magnitude of observed deleterious effects on behavior, cognition, and affect. (This is one of 8 articles in this special issue on adolescent video game playing.). (Journal abstract.)

1282. ANDERSON, C.A., FUNK, J.E., & GRIFFITHS, M.D.

Contemporary Issues in Adolescent Video Game Playing: Brief Overview and Introduction to the Special Issue.

Journal of Adolescence (entire issue), 27(1): 1-3, Feb 2004; ISSN 0140-1971.

Iowa State Univ

This special issue contains 8 articles that focus on adolescent video game playing. Most reported effects of video games appear to center on potential negative consequences (e.g., increased aggression, potential addiction, and medical and psychosocial side effects). In fact, all of the coeditors contributed to the literature on some of these more negative aspects. However, none of them is anti-video games. (Editorial, edited.)

1283. ANDERSON, E.R., GREENE, S.M., WALKER, L., MALERBA, C.A., FORGATCH, M.S., & DEGARMO, D.S.

Ready to take a chance again: transitions into dating among divorced parents.

Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 40(3/4): 61-75, 2004; ISSN 1050-2556.

Edward.Anderson@mail.utexas.edu

After a marital break up, parents may make efforts to find new romantic partners, although little is known about how the process of repartnering unfolds. This study consisted of surveying by phone two samples of divorcing custodial parents who had been identified from court records (N = 39 for recent filers, N = 39 for one-year post filers). Results indicated that repartncring happened fairly quickly, with 50% having had some dating experience even prior to the divorce filing. At one-year post filing, typically parents had dated two new partners (range = 0-7) and their children had witnessed 2.5 new relationship transitions (range = 0-9). Among recent filers, younger parents, those with greater rime since separation, and those in households containing other (nonromantic adults) were significantly more likely to have dated. While there were no differences in dating by ethnic group, African American parents reported significantly longer times since separation. Parental strategies for handling children involved encapsulation at 13% of the sample (no child awareness or exposure to dating), graded at 47% (gradual awareness and exposure to dating as the romance deepened) and transparent at 40% (total child awareness and exposure from the first date). (Journal abstract.)

1284. ANDREU ABUELA, J.

lnfancio socializacin familiar y nuevas tecnologas de la comunicacin. Childhood socialization and new communication technology.

Portularia, 3: 243-261, 2003; ISSN 1578-0236.

Univ. de Granada

Starting from the concept of socialization, the author considers the impact that technology has had on families, and specifically, the way television interferes in family relationships and how it influences aggressive behavior in children and teenagers. Finally, several effects caused by the intensive use of computers, with special attention given to the Internet, are discussed. (Journal abstract, edited.)

1285. ANTHIS, K.S., DUNKEL, C.S., & ANDERSON, B.

Gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(2): 147-152, Apr 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

anthisk1@southernct.edu

This study examined gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves. The intent of the study was to clarify conflicts between theory and research on gender differences in identity by investigating the content of participants’ possible selves. Participants completed measures of identity and possible selves. The results indicated that there was a relationship between gender and the mean number of both feared and balanced interpersonally themed possible selves. The pattern of results is discussed in terms of prior findings regarding gender differences in both identity and possible selves. Suggestions for future research are also provided. (Journal abstract.)

1286. AUSTIN, W.G. & KIRKPATRICK, H.D.

The investigation component in forensic mental health evaluations: considerations for parenting time assessments.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(2): 23-46, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

PO Box 883009, Steamboat Springs, CO 80488

Part of the data gathering and analysis in any parenting time evaluation involves investigation into sources of information that provide a factual basis for measuring key factors. However, this investigative function of the child custody evaluator has not been systematically described. In this article, investigative data collection is discussed in terms of holding a discriminating and skeptical eye in reviewing sources of information. The need to conduct forensic “detective work” and factfmding is discussed. The importance of the investigative mindset for the evaluator is to increase the completeness and accuracy of measurement of key variables, which increases the validity and accuracy of predictions on child developmental outcomes for the court. (Journal abstract.)

1287. BOEHM, A. & ITZHAKY, H.

The social marketing approach: a way to increase reporting and treatment of sexual assault.

Child Abuse & Neglect, 28(3): 253-265, Mar 2004; ISSN 0145-2134.

School of Social Work, Univ. of Haifa, Mt Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel

Too often communities remain silent in response to cases of sexual assault of children. Members of the community are afraid to report such incidents and victims are reluctant to seek and accept treatment. The purpose of the paper is to examine whether application of a social marketing approach may serve as an effective means for motivating communities to report and victims to seek professional treatment. The paper is based on a case study of an ultra-orthodox Jewish community in Israel, where an informal campaign of silence developed. Using content analysis of documents and in-depth interviews, the research examines the implementation of a social marketing approach by a multidisciplinary team of professionals in the community. It focuses on developments in the community’s attitude to sexual abuse, especially with regard to reporting assault and seeking and accepting treatment. The findings show a considerable reduction in the fear that victims and other members of the community felt with regard to exposing the issue; a change among the community leaders, some of whom initially objected to reporting and treatment; introduction of an alternative community dialogue that advocated reporting and treatment; and a rise in the number of reports and of people in treatment. The paper recommends the integration of principles of social marketing in community programs aimed at dealing with sexual assault. In particular, it suggests the identification of competing groups in the community, construction of specific programs for different segments, addressing the no-monetary prices that the change may incur on the different groups, location of appropriate places for distribution of messages, and use of effective personal, as well as public means of communication and promotion. (Journal abstract.)

1288. BUIST, K.L., DEKOVIC, M., MEEUS, W., & VAN AREN, M.A.G.

The reciprocal relationship between early adolescent attachment and internalizing and externalizing problem behavior.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(3): 25J-266, June 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

k.l.buist@uva.nl

The aim of this study was to examine the reciprocal relationship between parental attachment and adolescent internalizing and externalizing the problem behavior. In this longitudinal study, 288 adolescents (mean age 13.5 years) reported on their attachment relationships with their parents and on problem behavio\r three times, with 1-year intervals between measurements waves. Results showed that attachment and both indicators of adolescent problem behavior remain stable over time, although there were differences in stability between constructs. Reciprocal negative effects were found between attachment and internalizing problem behavior, and between attachment and externalizing problem behavior. (Journal abstract.)

1289. BURBACH, A.D., FOX, R.A., & NICHOLSON, B.C.

Challenging behaviors in young children: the father’s role.

Journal of Genetic Psychology, 165(2): 169-183, June 2004; ISSN 0022-1325.

robert.fox@marquette.edu

In this study, the authors examined the parenting practices, developmental expectations, and stress levels of 136 fathers and the challenging and prosocial behaviors of their 1- to 5-year-old children. In addition, the authors systematically addressed fathers’ qualitative concerns about their parenting. The authors divided the participants into 4 groups and controlled for family socioeconomic status (SES) and the focus child’s gender. Results showed a significantly higher use of corporal and verbal punishment and parenting stress among lower income fathers. Secondary analyses demonstrated a significant effect of paternal disciplinary practices that emphasized the frequent use of corporal and verbal punishment on child behavior problems, regardless of SES level. On a positive note, fathers from both lower and higher SES groups had reasonable developmental expectation for their boys and girls, and they reported similar frequencies of their children’s prosocial behavior. The authors discuss the need for early parent education programs that include fathers and that teach specific strategies to address child behavior problems. (Journal abstract.)

1290. BURROW, A.L., TUBMAN, J.G., & FINLEY, G.E.

Adolescent adjustment in a nationally collected sample: identifying group differences by adoption status, adoption subtype, developmental stage and gender.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(3): 267-282, June 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

anthony.burrow@fin.edu

This study investigated group differences in adolescent adjustment by adoption status and adoption subtype in a national sample, in contrast to group differences based on developmental stage or gender. secondary analyses of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were performed to describe group differences in a broad range of adjustment measures (a) between adoptees and nonadoptccs, (b) between different-race adoptees and same-race adoptees and, (c) across adolescent developmental stage and gender groups. Based upon a developmental deviance hypothesis, this study hypothesized that early adolescent different-race adoptees would fair better across measures of academic performance, familial relationships, psychological adjustment, and physical health than their middle and late adolescent counterparts. Group comparisons revealed little evidence of increased maladjustment among adopted adolescents compared to non-adopted study participants. In addition, group comparisons revealed few differences across indices of adolescent adjustment by adoption subtype (i.e., by the degree of racial congruence adopted child and adoptive parent). However, significant group differences in adolescent adjustment were found based on participants’ developmental stage and gender. The implications of the findings are discussed. (Journal abstract.)

1291. CAMPOY ARANDA, T.J., PANTOJA VALLEJO, A., & DELGADO CASTELLANO, L.

La transition de inmigrantes con hijos en edad escolar. The transition of immigrants with school-age children.

Portularia, 3: 355-371, 2003; ISSN 1578-0236.

Univ de Jaen

The intercultural perspective on diversity in Spain coincides with the presence of more and more immigrants. Thus, the educational systems have to face the intercultural diversity and they have to offer all the students an education that is able to promote integration and improve the coexistence of different sections of the society. For these reasons, it is necessary to conduct studies that allow the intcrcultural education to become a reality by means of program designs. As a result, these programs may be used as orientation guides to improve the educational practices in the schools. This study analyzes the immigrants’ sociofamiliar, labor, and educational variables, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses that have to be taken into account to favor the integration of immigrants. (Journal abstract, edited.)

1292. DAGENAIS, C., BEGIN, J., BOUCHARD, C., & FORTIN, D.

Impact of intensive family support programs: a synthesis of evaluation studies.

Children and Youth Services Review, 26(3): 249-263, Mar 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

Christian.dagenais@umontreal.ca

The objective of this review was to use meta-analysis to calculate the mean effect of programs designed for families whose children are at risk ot’out-of-homc placement. The authors attempted to find answers to two questions. First, what was the net effect of the intervention on placement? Sixteen of the 27 programs included in the review reported placement rates. The results showed that, in most cases, children who received program services were placed almost as often as the children in the control groups. Programs that targeted a specific clientele, however, obtained much more significant results. second, what was the impact of the program on the children and their families? Seventeen of the 27 programs included reported measurements focused on families and children. After examining the data at the authors’ disposal, they were forced to abandon their intention of calculating the global effectiveness score for the evaluated programs. Consequently, all the information was compiled in an integrative table. This table shows that regardless of format, the programs did indeed have an effect on the children and their families. The conclusion focused on conditions to consider for promoters and evaluators who implement or evaluate programs of this type. (Journal abstract.)

1293. DERR, M.K. & TAYLOR, MJ.

The link between childhood and adult abuse among long-term welfare recipients.

Children and Youth Services Review, 26(2): 173-184, Feb 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

mderr@mathematica-mpr.com

This article examines the links between childhood and adult abuse among long-term welfare recipients. In-depth interviews were conducted with 280 women who had been on public financial assistance for at least 3 years. High rates of childhood and adult abuse were reported among these longterm welfare recipients. Two-thirds (67%) indicated they were physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abused during childhood and 81% lived in a physically violent relationship as an adult. Most of the women (59%) were abused both as a child and an adult, and almost all of the women (90%) were abused as either a child or adult. There was a strong relationship between childhood and adult abuse among these long-term welfare recipients. There was also a connection between past abuse and a Child Protective Services investigation as a parent. Overall, more attention needs to be paid to family violence among long-term welfare recipients. (Journal abstract.)

1294. DROZD, L.M.

Introduction: Welcome to the new Journal of Child Custody.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(1): 1-5, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

Idrozdphd@aol.com

This article introduces the initial issue of the new Journal of Child Custody and lays the framework for an emerging field. To date there is no peer-reviewed journal dedicated specifically and only to issues related to child custody. Something has been missing in the field of child custody. The Journal of Child Custody provides the missing piece in the puzzle called child custody. (Journal abstract.)

1295. DROZD, L.M., KUEHNLE, K, & WALKER, L.E.A.

Safety First: a model for understanding domestic violence in child custody and access disputes.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(2): 75-103, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

ldrozdphd@aol.com

A substantial percentage of contested child custody cases involve allegations of domestic violence. The impact on the psychological health and physical safety of the child exposed to domestic violence has only recently become a focus of the courts’ and child custody evaluators’ attention. Currently, the majority of state statutes include consideration of domestic violence in “best interests” child custody criteria. However, many of the statues do not provide the child custody evaluator the specific criteria to consider, especially if the domestic violence allegations have not been previously reported to authorities prior to the commencement of separation and divorce proceedings. This article presents the first three steps of the six-step Safety First Model, designed to assist the legal and psychological professions to focus on the priorities on the safety of children exposed to domestic violence. (Journal abstract.)

1296. DULMUS, C.N., ELY, G., & WODARSKI, J.S.

Children’s psychological response to parental victimization: how do girls and boys differ?

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 7(3/4): 23- 36, 2003; ISSN 1091-1359.

cdulmus@utk.edu

This study found that African American children, 6 through 12 years old, whose parents had been victims of community violence (i.e., gunshot or stabbing) experienced distress symptoms differently, depending on their gender. In the authors’ previous work (Dulmus & Wodarski, 2000), children 6-12, whose parents were victims of community violence (e.g., gunshot, stabbing ), and whose victimization the children did not witness, were found to experience distress symptoms related to their parents’ victimization. The purpose of this study was to do further analysis to examine children’s psychological response to parental victimization by gender. Results indicated that all children in the study experienced symptoms in the borderline clinical range as measured by the total score on the Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL), with females having a mean score of 39.5 and males having a mean score of 38. The differences that were found by gender were in children’s expression of symptoms; with females experiencing more internalizing symptoms (i.e., withdrawn, somatic complaints, anxiety, depression) and males experiencing more externalizing symptoms (i.e., aggression, delinquency). Such results support feminist theory, which suggests that girls and boys respond differently to stimuli because of gender differences related to socialization. Such distinctions may be clinically useful when choosing approaches to behavioral interventions. (This is one of 12 articles in this special issue on women and girls in the social environment.). (Journal abstract.)

1297. EHRLE, J., SCARCELLA, C.A., & GEEN, R.

Teaming up: collaboration between welfare and child welfare agencies since welfare reform.

Children and Youth Services Review, 26(3): 265-285, Mar 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

JEhrle@ui.urban.org

Poverty and child abuse or neglect often co-occur. As a result, welfare and child welfare agencies have a large set of clients in common. Collaborative programs may ease the burden faced by families involved in both systems as they struggle to meet two case plans, or may prevent some welfare families from becoming involved with child welfare at all. Using data from a survey of state welfare directors and in-depth case studies in 12 states, this article finds that 1996 welfare reforms provided a fertile environment to improve collaborative efforts between welfare and child welfare agencies. These efforts generally focused on six target populations: families receiving welfare and involved with child welfare, sanctioned families or families nearing time limits, relative caregivers receiving child-only payments, welfare clients who experience domestic violence, teens that cannot live with parents due to abuse or neglect, and clients with complex service needs. This article discusses state policies and programmatic efforts to assist these groups and provides examples from various localities. The article concludes with a discussion of the elements necessary to ensure current programs continue and new efforts are undertaken: strategic planning, sufficient funding, training for caseworkers, and mechanisms for communication between agencies. (Journal abstract.)

1298. FABER, AJ.

Examining remarried couples through a Bowenian family systems lens.

Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 40(3/4): 121-133, 2004; ISSN 1050-2556.

ajfaber2000@yahoo.com

Literature and research have focused little on the spousal subsystem in remarriages. Through the application of Bowen family systems theory, this paper examines the complexities within the spousal subsystem in remarriages. Many remarried couples are plagued with anxiety that stems from unresolved issues in their previous marriage. By acknowledging the influence of their previous marriage, couples are able to work through this anxiety and are able to raise their levels of differentiation, maintain an “I position,” and become less emotionally reactive. (Journal abstract.)

1299. FARMER, E.

Patterns of placement, management and outcome for sexually abused and/or abusing children in substitute care.

The British Journal of Social Work, 34(3): 375-393, Apr 2004; ISSN 0045-3102.

e.r.farmer@bristol.ac.uk

This paper draws on the author’s research on the management, care, and treatment of sexually abused and/or abusing children in substitute care. The research, funded by the Department ofHealth, examined the management and treatment provided in residential and foster care for these young people, the mix of children in each setting and the steps taken to keep these and other children safe. Analysis of the findings revealed four distinct groups of young people in this population, each of which required somewhat different management approaches and placement type, while very varying outcomes were found for each group of children. The paper’s description of the four distinct groupings, their management and placement requirements, and outcomes should be of use to practitioners and managers planning placements for these children. The paper concludes that denial, minimization, normalization, and helplessness all influence the management of sexually abused and/or abusing children and that these mirror the experiences of children who arc sexually abused and their efforts to deal with the accompanying trauma. (Journal abstract.)

1300. FERGUSON, A., ASHBAUGH, R., O’REILLY, S., & MCLAUGHLIN, T.K

Using prompt training and reinforcement to reduce transition times in a transitional kindergarten program for students with severe behavior disorders.

Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 26(1): 17-24, 2004.

tmclaughlin@soe.gonzaga.edu

This article examines prompt training and reinforcement to decrease the amount of time between routine transitions within a self-contained transitional kindergarten. A comparison between baseline results for two kindergarten classes for students with behavior disorders and that of prompting plus reinforcement produced an overall decrease in transition time across transitional settings. The use of physical prompting by consequences was found to be an easily implemented and effective set of strategies to reduce the amount of time between transitions in the preschool classroom. Weaknesses in this research as well as suggestions for future research are provided. (Journal abstract, edited.)

1301. FRIEDMAN, M.S., SILVESTRE, A.J., GOLD, M.A., MARKOVIC, N., SAVIN-WILLIAMS, R.C., HUGGINS, J., & SELL, R.L.

Adolescents define sexual orientation and suggest ways to measure it.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(3): 303-317, June 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

friedmanms@msx.upmc.edu

Researchers disagree on how to assess adolescent sexual orientation. The relative importance of various dimensions (e.g. attraction, relationships, behavior, self-labeling) is unknown, which calls into question the validity of studies assessing adolescent sexual orientation. To address this issue, 50 male and female adolescents of varied sexual orientations participated in focus groups and interviews. Two types of sexual attraction-one a physiologic reaction and the other a cognitive response-were central to adolescent sexual orientation. Participants did not perceive sexual behavior and self-identification as necessarily relevant. Preliminary items to measure sexual attraction were developed based on these adolescents’ perceptions. (Journal abstract.)

1302. FUNK, I.E., BALDACCI, H.B., PASOLD, T., & BAUMGARDNER, J.

Violence exposure in real-life, video games, television, movies, and the Internet: is there desensitization?

Journal of Adolescence, 27(1): 23-39, Feb 2004; ISSN 0140-1971.

jeannc.funk@utokdo.edu

It is believed that repeated exposure to real-life and to entertainment violence may alter cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes, possibly leading to descnsitization. The goal of this study was to determine if there are relationships between real-life and media violence exposure and desensitization as reflected in related characteristics. A total of 150 fourth and fifth graders completed measures of real-life violence exposure, media violence exposure, empathy, and attitudes towards violence. Regression analyses indicated that only exposure to video game violence was associated with (lower) empathy. Both video game and movie violence exposure were associated with stronger proviolence attitudes. The active nature of playing video games, intense engagement, and the tendency to be translated into fantasy play may explain negative impact, though causality was not investigated in the present design. The samples’ relatively low exposure to real- life violence may have limited the identification of relationships. Although difficult to quantify, desensitization to violence should be further studied using related characteristics as in this study. Individual differences and causal relationships should also be examined. (This is one of 8 articles in this special issue on adolescent video game playing.). (Journal abstract.)

1303. GENTILE, D.A., LYNCH, P.J., LINDER, J.R., & WALSH, D.A.

The effects of violent video gome habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(1): 5-22, Feb 2004; ISSN 0140-1971.

dgentile@iastate.edu

Video games have become one of the favorite activities of American children. A growing body of research is linking violent video game play to aggressive cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors. The first goal of this study was to document the video games habits of adolescents and the level of parental monitoring of adolescent video game use. The second goal was to examine associations among violent video game exposure, hostility, arguments with teachers, school grades, and physical fights. In addition, path analyses were conducted to test mediational pathways from video game habits to outcomes. A total of 607 8th- and 9th-grade students from four schools participated. Adolescents who exposed themselves to greater amounts of video game violence were more hostile, reported getting into arguments with teachers more frequently, were more likely to be involved in physical fights, and performed more poorly in school. Mediational pathways were found such that hostility mediated the relationship between violent video game exposure and outcomes. Results arc interpreted within and support the framework of the General Aggression Model. (This is one of 8 articles in this special issue on adolescent video game playing.). (Journal abstract, edited.)

1304. GOLDSTEIN, S.E. & TISAK, M.S.

Adolescents’ outcome expectancies about relational aggression within acquaintanceships, friendships, and dating relationships.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(3): 283-302, June 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

saragold@umich.edu

Adolescents’ (N = 292) relational aggression and outcome expectancies for relational aggres\sion in three different relationship contexts (acquaintanceship, friendship, and dating) were assessed. With respect to each type of relationship, adolescents were questioned about the emotional and dyadic consequences of relational aggression, and about whether the victim of relational aggression would retaliate. It was also of interest to assess whether adolescents’ personal involvement in relational aggression was associated with these judgments. The results suggest that adolescents’ involvement in relational aggression and outcome expectancies for relational aggression often varies by gender, age, relationship context, and type of relational aggression. Additionally, in several instances, adolescents personal involvement in relational aggression was associated with outcome expectancies for relational aggression. For example, after gender and age had been accounted for, participants’ own relational aggression predicted beliefs about whether the victim of relational aggression would want to continue a friendship and a dating relationship. Implications of the results and future directions for research are discussed. (Journal abstract.)

1305. GOODMAN, C.C., POTTS, M., PASZTOR, E.M., & SCORZO, D.

Grandmothers as kinship caregivers: private arrangements compared to public child welfare oversight.

Children and Touth Services Review, 26(3): 287-305, Mar 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

goodman@csulb.edu

This study examined 373 grandmothers providing full care for their grandchild(ren) informally (private kinship care) and 208 awarded custody through the child welfare system (public kinship care). Public kinship caregivers were 2.7 times more likely to provide care because of parental drug use and almost 60% more likely because of child neglect. Private kinship caregivers had provided care for a

longer time and were more apt to share decision making with the child’s parent. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of private grandmother caregivers-over 40%-assumed care because of maternal drug use or neglect of their grandchild. Findings imply that child welfare successfully targets families at risk, although many private providers have similar problems and service needs. (Journal abstract.)

1306. GOULD, J.W.

Evaluating the probative value of child custody evaluations: a guide for forensic mental health professionals.

Journal of ChM Custody, 1(1): 77-96, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

jwgould@aol.com

The ultimate purpose of a child custody evaluation is to assist children and their families to restructure their family lives after divorce. A competent forensic work product is defined, in part, by the evaluator’s use of current state of the art forensic methods and procedures applied to child custody evaluations (Gould, 1998). In this paper, a detailed structure for reviewing the reliability and relevance of a child custody advisory report is provided to help these professionals produce a work product of greater weight and sufficiency to the court and a work product that is increasingly useful to the families we seek to help. (Journal abstract.)

1307. GRIETENS, H., GEERAERT, L., & HELLINCKX, W.

A scale for home visiting nurses to identify risks of physical abuse and neglect among mothers with newborn infants.

Child Abuse & Neglect, 28(3): 321-337, Mar 2004; ISSN 0145-2134.

Ctr for Disability, Special Needs Education, and Child Care, Katholieke Univ Leuven, Vesaliusstraat 2, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium

The aim was to construct and test the reliability (utility, internal consistency, interrater agreement) and the validity (internal validity, concurrent validity) of a scale for home visiting social nurses to identify risks of physical abuse and neglect in mothers with a newborn child. A 71-item scale was constructed based on a literature review and focus group sessions with social nurses and paraprofessionals who had experience with underprivileged families. This scale was applied in a random sample of 40 home visiting social nurses, who collected data in a sample of 373 nonabusive and 18 abusive/neglectful mothers with a newborn child. Items with prevalence rates below 5% and items making no significant difference between maltreating and non-maltreating mothers were omitted. The final version contained 20 items. This scale showed high internal consistency and high interrater reliability. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution: Isolation (8 items, explaining 62.17% of the common variance), Psychological complexity (6 items, 18.86%), and Communication problems (6 items, 8.41%). Scores on Communication problems and Isolation significantly predicted scores on a social deprivation scale, which significantly distinguished maltreating from non-maltreating mothers. Mothers scoring high on Communication problems or Isolation obtained higher scores for social deprivation than low-scoring mothers. Home visiting nurses can identify risks for physical abuse and neglect among mothers with a newborn infant by focusing on signs of social isolation, distorted communication, and psychological problems. (Journal abstract.)

1308. GRIFFITHS, M.D., DAVIES, M.N.O., & CHAPPELL, D.

Online computer gaming: a comparison of adolescent and adult gamers.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(1): 87-96, Feb 2004; ISSN 0140-1971.

mark.griffiths@ntu.ac.uk

Despite the growing popularity of online game playing, there have been no surveys comparing adolescent and adult players. Therefore, an online questionnaire survey was used to examine various factors of online computer game players (N = 540) who played the most popular online game, Everquest. The survey examined basic demographic information, playing frequency (i.e., amount of time spent playing the game a week), playing history (i.e., how long they had been playing the game, who they played the game with, whether they had ever gender swapped their game character, the favorite and least favorite aspects of playing the game, and what they sacrifice (if anything) to play the game. Results showed that adolescent gamers were significantly more likely to be male, significantly less likely to gender swap their characters, and significantly more likely to sacrifice their education or work. In relation to favorite aspects of game play, the biggest difference between the groups was that significantly more adolescents than adults claimed their favorite aspect of playing was violence. Results also showed that in general, the younger the player, the longer they spent each week playing. (This is one of 8 articles in this special issue on adolescent video game playing.). (Journal abstract.)

1309. GUDAITE, G. & KALPOKIENE, V.

Divorce experience and coping features of depressed people.

Socialinis Darbas, 3(1): 116-129, 2004; LSSN 1648-4789.

g.gudaite@centras.lt

This paper presents the findings of people who have experienced divorce and coping with depression. Sixty participants took part in this research: 30 of them were depressed, 30 were not (healthy). All healthy participants were officially divorced. Among those who were depressed, 18 were officially divorced and 12 were not legally divorced. The authors used several methods in the research: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Coping Strategy Questionnaire COPE, semi- structured interviews and pictograms. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of results were made. The analyses showed that depressed participants in comparison to healthy participants do not fully integrate divorce experience, they more often use defense strategies and less consciously accept their feelings connected with divorce. Depressed individuals use less effective, less adaptive coping strategies (focusing on and venting of emotion, behavioral disengagement, and alcohol/drug disengagement) and strategics directed to emotions (turning to religion and denial). Healthy individuals more often use strategy of positive re-interpretation and growth (directed to emotions). In addition, use of coping strategics differed among participants according to the person who initiated a divorce. Depressed participants receive less social support than healthy individuals, the net of their social relationships is smaller, and they have fewer close relationships. (Journal abstract, edited.)

1310. HIERSTEINER, C.L.

Life in the balance: narrative accounts by low-income mothers about subsidized relative child care.

Univ of Kansas, PhD, Dec 2003.

This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of low- income mothers enrolled in the Kansas Child Care Assistance Program who used subsidies to pay relatives to provide child care while they worked. Using a narrative approach to interviewing and inquiry, the study asked the mothers to tell their stories about the quality and purpose of relative care and the context in which they constructed these arrangements. The study also considered how the women featured children in their child care stories and how themes of personal agency, choice, and constraint were reflected in their narratives. A holistic analysis of the interviews uncovered a central core narrative in the women’s lives. Relative care was a management strategy to prevent crisis, protect children, and promote progress towards future goals. Narratives varied in the degree to which women and their families surrendered to, persevered, or defied forces that threatened to tip the tenuous balance in their lives.

1311. HOLLAND, P. & GOREY, K.M.

Historical, developmental, and behavioral factors associated with foster care challenges.

Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 21(2): 117-135, Apr 2004; ISSN 0738-0151.

gorey@uwindsor.ca

Three agency-based studies explored the associations of traumatic child histories, as well as their developmental, health, and behavioral problems with foster care challenges such as placement instability. The findings represent the convergent perspectives of child welfare workers and foster parents in small cities in Ontario. Alone and in aggregate, child and fami\lial traumas and problems were very strong predictors of various foster care challenges. Foster parent training and other support needs are discussed. (Journal abstract.)

1312. JAMES, S., LANDSVERK, J., & SLYMEN, D.J.

Placement movement on out-of-home care; patterns and predictors.

Children and Youth Services Review, 26(2): 185-206, Feb 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

sjamcs@casrc.org

This study examines retrospectively the placement patterns of a cohort of 430 children between the ages of 1-16 who entered out-of- home care in San Diego County between May 1990 and October 1991, and were still in placement after 18 months. It investigates movement through outof-home care across different placement settings for children who spent an equal amount of time in out-of-home care. Using an inductive methodology, patterns of movement arc classified along two main dimensions: the timing and duration of the longest placement and movement along degree of rcstrictivcncss. This paper describes the development of the pattern criteria. It further presents findings of subsequent polychotomous logistic regression analysis, which identifies significant non-clinical and clinical predictors of these patterns. (Journal abstract.)

1313. JAUDES, P.K., BILAVER, L.A., GOERGE, R.M., MASTERSON, J., & CATANIA, C.

Improving access to health care for foster children: the Illinois model.

Child Welfare, 83(3): 215-238, May/June 2004; ISSN 0009-4021.

School of Social Service Administration, Univ of Chicago, 969 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637-2460

Children in foster care have lower health status than do their peers and limited access to health care. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services developed HealthWorks, a separate primary preferred provider system for children in foster care. This study compared claims data for children in HealthWorks with children not enrolled in HealthWorks and with children in Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) who had never entered foster care. Children enrolled in HealthWorks were more likely than were other children to receive all of the services except general inpatient hospitalizations. They had greater odds of receiving general exams and physicians’ services and were more likely to visit the emergency room than children who were not enrolled. They were more likely to receive all of the measured services when compared with children receiving Medicaid through AFDC. (Journal abstract.)

1314. JIMENEZ, I.

Ser modre sin pareja: circunstancias y vivencias de la moternidad en solitario. Being a single mother: circumstances and lived experiences.

Portularia, 3: 161-178, 2003; ISSN 1578-0236.

Univ de Sevilla

Single-mother families that have never shared their maternity with a mate constitute a family reality which we know little about. This work undertook a preliminary approach to the matter. Statistics show that these families have enormous economic difficulties, as the mothers have precarious employment, and are backed, in economic terms and in child care, by their extended family. These circumstances contrast with the mother’s positive evaluation of the situation as single mothers, and an analysis of the situation in terms of balance between the advantages and inconveniences, both for them and their children. (Journal abstract.)

1315. KERMAN, B., BARTH, R.P., & WILDFIRE, J.

Extending transitional services to former foster children.

Child Welfare, 83(3): 239-262, May/June 2004; ISSN 0009-4021.

School of Social Work, Univ of North Carolina, CB #3550, 223 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill 27599-3550

This article describes what a private agency expended while addressing the transitional needs of former long-term foster youth and examines the association between expenditures and adult outcomes. Not all young adults accepted supports extended to them. In the sample, 41% of the young adults incurred expenses after age 19. Of those using supports, about two-thirds incurred expenses for higher education, and slightly fewer for continued housing support. Median expenses were generally stable or declined between ages 19 and 21, although almost all declined after age 22. Young adults who received extended supports tended to be better off at follow-up, although some troubled young adults used extensive, expensive services. (Journal abstract.)

1316. KIRKPATRICK, H.D.

A floor, not a ceiling: beyond guidelines-an argument for minimum standards of practice in conducting child custody and visitation evaluations.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(1): 61-75, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

HDKIRK@aol.com

With the identification of 26 standards, this article argues that the child custody evaluation field has defined a set of minimum practice standards that go beyond the aspirational goals of existing “guidelines” and “parameters.” These 26 standards constitute a floor, but not a ceiling, for conducting child custody evaluations (CCEs). (Journal abstract.)

1317. KLEINMAN, T.G.

Child protection and child custody: domestic violence, abuse, and other issues of child protection.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(1): 115-126, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

tgk0727@aol.com

A child’s need for safety should trump any and all other considerations in family law. Child-service agencies cannot be expected to both promote reunification and child protection simultaneously. The author asserts that legislatures need to change the laws such that it is clear to the court that children come first and that safety is paramount. Although visitation between child and parent is considered to be a fundamental right, this right can and should be abrogated when initial evidence shows that such contact poses a risk of danger to the emotional or physical health and safety of the child. A new and specially trained court dealing only with issues of family violence and abuse may need to be considered. (Journal abstract.)

1318. KLEINMAN, T.G.

Strategies and pretrial hearings for child protection.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(2): 105-112,2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

tgk0727@aol.com

There are various tools that attorneys and their clients might use in custody and/or visitation disputes involving family violence. This column sets forth examples of pretrial motions, hearings, and other strategies. These are used to provide the court with detailed information about the abuse that has happened and the impact that the court’s decisions will have upon the children involved. (Editorial, edited.)

1319. KRAHE, B. & MOLLER, I.

Playing violent electronic games, hostile attributional style, and aggression-related norms in German adolescents.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(1): 53-69, Feb 2004; ISSN 0140-1971.

krahe@rz.uni-potsdam.de

The relationship was examined between exposure to and preference for violent electronic games and aggressive norms as well as hostile attributional style. Following a pilot study to sample widely used electronic games varying in violent content, 231 eighth-grade adolescents in Germany reported their use of and attraction to violent electronic games. They also completed measures of hostile attributional style and endorsement of aggressive norms. There were significant gender differences in usage and attraction to violent electronic games, with boys scoring higher than girls. Significant relationships were found between attraction to violent electronic games and the acceptance of norms condoning physical aggression. Violent electronic games were linked indirectly to hostile attributional style through aggressive norms. The findings are discussed with respect to North American research on the aggression- enhancing effect of violent electronic games. (This is one of 8 articles in this special issue on adolescent video game playing.). (Journal abstract.)

1320. KUEHNLE, K., GREENBERG, L.R., & GOTTLIEB, M.C.

Incorporating the principles of scientifically based child interviews into family law cases.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(1): 97-114, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

kkuehnle@aol.com

In recent years, scientific work has been directed toward the evaluation of suspected sexually abused children. While in many ways this remains a controversial area, sound evidence has emerged regarding how children should be interviewed in order to enhance their ability to report their experience and as to avoid contamination of their memory. In this article, the authors take the position that the science is now sufficiently evolved so that such interviewing techniques can be applied to interviewing children in child custody evaluations. (Journal abstract.)

1321. KVAM, M.H.

Sexual abuse of deaf children. A retrospective analysis of the prevalence and characteristics of childhood sexual abuse among deaf adults in Norway.

Child Abuse & Neglect, 28(3): 241-251, Mar 2004; ISSN 0145-2134.

SlNTEF Health Research Inst, RB. 124 Blindem, N-0314 Oslo, Norway

North American studies conclude that deaf children may have a 2- 3 times greater risk of sexual abuse than hearing children. No comparative studies arc available in the Nordic countries. This study was initiated to estimate the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among deaf children in Norway, describe the nature of the abuse, and to examine risk factors. A self-administered questionnaire was sent in 1999 to all 1,150 adult deaf members of the Norwegian Deaf Register. The Deaf Register includes all deaf Norwegians. The questionnaire, which was also available videotaped in sign language, was an adapted version of a questionnaire used in a Norwegian survey among the general adult population in 1993. The results from this earlier study were used as a comparison group. Deaf females aged 18-65 who lost their hearing before the age of 9 (N = 177) reported sexual abuse with contact before the age of 18 years more than twice as often as hearing females, and deaf males more than three times as often as hearing males. The abuse of the deaf children was also more serious. Very few cases were reported to parents, teachers, or authorities. Deaf children a\re at greater risk of sexual abuse than hearing children. The special schools for the deaf represent an extra risk of abuse, regardless of whether the deaf pupils live at home or in boarding schools. (Journal abstract.)

1322. LAU, Y.K.

Nonresident parents’ participation in nonresidential parenting in a Chinese context.

Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 40(3/4): 149-159, 2004; ISSN 1050-2556.

yklau@cuhk.edu.hk

There are different roles of fatherhood and motherhood in the traditional Chinese culture. Furthermore, sons are more valued than daughters in the patrilineal system of Chinese families. How do these cultural values influence the nonresident parents’ post- divorce involvement with the children? A pioneer study on nonresident parents’participation in post-divorce co-parenthood was conducted in Hong Kong. Results of the study alerted us to the selective cultural biases when working with post-divorce families. (Journal abstract.)

1323. LEWANDOWSKI, C.A. & PIERCE, L.

Does family-centered out-of-home care work? Comparison of a family-centered approach and traditional care.

Social Work Research, 28(3): 143-151, Sept 2004; ISSN 1070-5309.

cathlcen.lcwandowski@wichita.edu

This research assessed the effectiveness of a family-centered approach to out-of-home care in reunifying children with their families by comparing differential exit rates of children whose families received family-centered services with children whose families received routine child welfare services. The sample included 472 children who were in foster care from 1994 to 1996 in Missouri. Survival analysis was used to calculate the probability that a child would be reunified with his or her family at a particular time and to compare the differential exit rates for the children who experienced subsequent placement during the study period. The authors used Cox regression analysis to compare the likelihood of reunification between the two groups. Findings indicate that during the latter part of the study, family-centered out-of-home care counties reunified children at a faster rate than comparison counties. (Journal abstract.)

1324. LIGHTFOOT, M. & ROTHERAM-BORUS, M.J.

Predictors of child custody plans for children whose parents are living with AIDS in New York City.

Social Work, 49(3): 461-468, July 2004; ISSN 0037-8046.

mal@ucla.edu

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 were more likely to make plans for younger children. In addition, formal custody planning was more likely to occur among parents who reported using positive action, withdrawal- depressive, passive problem solving, social support, or spiritual coping styles and who reported higher parental self-esteem. Parent’s substance use and emotional distress were not significantly related to custody plans. These data suggest the need for interventions to encourage formal custody planning. (Journal abstract.)

1325. LOWE, E.D. Sc WEISNER, T.S.

‘You hove to push it-who’s gonna raise your kids?’: situating child care and child care subsidy use in the daily routines of lower income families.

Children and Youth Services Review, 26(2): 143-171, Feb 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

elowe@ucla.edu

The authors use qualitative and quantitative data from a multi- year study of low-income families included in New Hope, and experimental anti-poverty intervention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to understand why low-income families’ use of program-based child care as well as subsidies offered to pay for such care is often low and/ or episodic. Ethnographic analyses from 38 families in experimental and control groups suggest that child care choices and subsidy use must fit into the family daily routines and with the beliefs people have about child care. Both ecocultural theory and parents’ own reports of child care decisions suggest four themes accounting for child care choice: material and social resources; conflicts in the family; values and beliefs about parenting and child development; and predictability and stability of child care. Child care subsidy programs can be more effective if they offer greater flexibility and a range of options that better fit into the varied daily routines of the low-income families they are intended to serve. (Journal abstract.)

1326. LU, Y.E., LANDSVERK, J., ELLIS-MACLEOD, E., NEWTON, R., GANGER, W., & JOHNSON, I.

Race, ethnicity, and case outcomes in child protective services.

Children and Youth Services Review, 26(5): 447-461, May 2004; ISSN 0190-7409.

Yell@is4.nyu.edu

This study reviews the records of 3,936 children and adolescents under the age of 17 who were referred to the public receiving home for suspected maltreatment. The study examines the correlation between background characteristics (i.e., age, gender, race/ ethnicity, reasons for referral), and case outcome decisions (i.e. case open to service, outof-home placement, and family reunification), using bivariate and multivariatc analysis. Racial, ethnic differences are observed. Compared to census data, African Americans are the only over-represented group. Latinos, Asians, and Anglos are all under-represented. Significant differences were detected when race/ethnicity was analyzed with respect to the case opened, length of stay in foster care, and length of time for family reunification. African American subjects are consistently observed in each outcome category at higher proportions than all other racial/ ethnic groups, both mainstream and minority populations. (Journal abstract.)

1327. MACKENZIE, E.P., FITE, P.J., & BATES, J.E.

Predicting outcome in behavioral parent training: expected and unexpected results.

Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 26(2): 37-53, 2004.

emackenz@u.Washington. edu

This study examined the relationships among clinical utility and treatment outcome variables in Behavioral Parent Training (BPT). The sample included 21 mothers with 3-8 year-old children with significant externalizing behavior problems who received treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The primary aim was to relate two treatment feasibility variables, client resistance, and treatment acceptability, to maternal ratings of child improvement. The authors also examined the relationship between treatment feasibility variables and parent and family risk factors that appear to mitigate the effectiveness of BPT such as low SES, single-parent status, and maternal depression. Outside observers coded videotapes for maternal resistance exhibited in treatment sessions during which discipline techniques were discussed. Mother reports were used to measure treatment outcome (child improvement) and treatment acceptability. Effect size calculations yielded large prepost improvements in children’s externalizing behavior. Results of correlation analyses revealed the following pattern of significant findings: (1) a positive relationship between treatment acceptability and child improvement, (2) a negative relationship between maternal resistance and risk factors, low SES, and single-parent status, and (3) a negative association between SES and child improvement. The first finding was expected, but the latter two were not. Although this was a small study with many limitations, the pattern of findings raises intriguing issues for further study. The need for empirically tested models of BPT that incorporate service utilization, risk and protective factors, and implementation is discussed. (Journal abstract.)

1328. MALLETT, S., ROSENTHAL, D., MYERS, P., MILBURN, N., & ROTHERAM-BORUS, M.J.

Practising homelessness: a typology approach to young people’s daily routines.

Journal of Adolescence, 27(3): 337-349, June 2004; ISSN 0140- 1971.

smallett@unimelb.edu.au

In a study exploring the relationship between typology and risk, the authors investigated the daily routines of a heterogeneous sample of young men and women from two sites who had been homeless for varying periods (N = 1289). Cluster analysis yielded four groups- ‘Partnered’, ‘Socially engaged’, ‘Service connected-harm avoidant’, and ‘Transgressive’-based on where and with whom they congregated and slept during the day and night and how they spent most of their time. Although the patterns of responses differed between the groups, there was overlap in the extent of engagement in specific activities, including risk practices. Interpretation of the impact of homeless young people’s engagement in risk practices needs to take account of the interaction between their harmful and non- harmful practices. (Journal abstract.)

1329. MAPP, S.C.

A test of systems theory to assess the impact of sexual abuse as a child on current risk of physical abuse by mothers.

Univ of Houston, PhD, Jan 2004.

The impact of Stressors from different system levels of risk of physical abuse by mothers was examined. It was expected that ontogenic variables would have a greater impact than micro- or exosystem variables. The sample consisted of 265 women, the majority of whom were African-American and who had a high school education or GED. A multiple regression analysis found that loss of control and depression were demonstrated to have the largest impacts on risk of physical abuse. Domestic violence and social support were the next most important predictors. This supported the hypothesis that ontogenic variables have the greater impact in predicting risk of physical abuse. A path analysis was conducted-depression and loss of control significantly impacted the risk of physical abuse. The only route from experiencing childhood sexual abuse to the risk of committing child physical abuse was through the level of depression. Mother’s loss of control impacted the risk of abuse directly as well as through its impact \on depression. Risk of physical abuse was not influenced directly by the experience of sexual abuse. (Dissertation abstract.)

1330. MARTIN, G., BERGEN, H.A., RICHARDSON, A.S., ROEGER, L., & ALLISON, S.

Sexual abuse and suicidality: gender differences in a large community sample of adolescents.

Child Abuse & Neglect, 28(5): 491-503, May 2004; ISSN 0145-2134.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Univ. of Queensland, Mental Health Ctr, K Fl, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia

This research examined a cross-sectional study of gender specific relationships between self-reported child sexual abuse and suicidality in a community sample of adolescents. Students aged 14 years on average (N = 2,485) from 27 schools in South Australia completed a questionnaire including items on sexual abuse and suicidality, and measures of depression (Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), hopelessness (Beck Hopelessness Scale), and family functioning (McMastcr Family Assessment Device General Functioning Subscale). Data analysis included logistic regression. In boys, self-reported sexual abuse is strongly and independently associated with suicidal thoughts, plans, threats, deliberate self- injury, and suicide attempts, after controlling for current levels of depression, hopelessness, and family dysfunction. In girls, the relationship between sexual abuse and suicidality is mediated fully by depression, hopelessness, and family dysfunction. Girls who report current high distress about sexual abuse, however, have a threefold increased risk of suicidal thoughts and plans, compared to non-abused girls. Boys who report current high distress about sexual abuse have 10-fold increased risk for suicidal plans and threats, and 15-fold increased risk for suicide attempts, compared to non- abused boys. Fifty-five percent (n = 15) of sexually abused boys attempted suicide versus 29% (n =17) girls. A history of sexual abuse should alert clinicians, professionals, and carers in contact with adolescents, to greatly increased risks of suicidal behavior and attempts in boys, even in the absence of depression and hopelessness. (Journal abstract.)

1331. MARTINDALE, D.A.

Integrity and transparency: a commentary on record keeping in child custody evaluations.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(1): 31-40, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

david@damartindale.com

The author offers commentary concerning the importance of an evaluator’s disclosure of prior or current relationships with custody litigants; of diligence in the creation and maintenance of records; and of cooperation with those wishing to scrutinize one’s work. The position is advanced that all information considered by an evaluator must be preserved, as must audio or video tape recordings of interviews and evaluative sessions. The author opines that where a thorough exploration of the bases for an evaluator’s opinions is impeded by deficient records or by the unavailability of certain records, the risk is increased that evaluator errors will go undetected. (Journal abstract.)

1332. MARTINDALE, D.A. & GOULD, J.W.

The forensic model: ethics and scientific methodology applied to custody evaluations.

Journal of Child Custody, 1(2): 1-22, 2004; ISSN 1537-9418.

david@damartindale.com

Understanding the relationship between psychological ethics and scientifically informed methodology is critical to a competently crafted child custody advisory report. This paper offers a working definition of the forensic model and integrates elements of the 2002 American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (American Psychological Association, 2002) with forensic methods and procedures as applied to child custody evaluations. (Journal abstract.)

1333. MEIL LANDWERLIN, G.

La figura del abuelo en las familias espanolas de la actualidad. Grandparents in Spanish families.

Portularia, 3: 33-47, 2003; ISSN 1578-0236.

Univ Autnoma de Madrid

Demographic transition has brought about a profound change in kinship structures, characterized, among other things, by the generalization of grandparenthood. As a consequence,