TITLE:    Impact of Child Noncompliance on Stress Appraisals, Attributions, and Disciplinary Choices in Mothers at High and Low Risk for Child Physical Abuse.

 

AUTHOR:    Dopke, C. A.;  Milner, J. S.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Child Abuse and Neglect

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Psychology.

 

SOURCE:    24(4): pp. 493-504;  Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, NY., April 2000;  p. 179

 

ABSTRACT:    This study investigated the impact of repeated child noncompliance on stress appraisals, attributions, and disciplinary choices in high- and low-risk mothers. Twenty-five high risk and 25 demographically matched low-risk mothers responded to questions related to stress appraisals, attributions, and disciplinary choices following presentations of a child engaging in repeated noncompliance. After repeated child noncompliance, high-risk, compared to low-risk, mothers perceived morethreat and uncontrollability, rated child behaviors as more stressful, and reported higher levels of negative affect. High-risk mothers also reported more stable, global, and intentional attributions, with a trend toward more internal attributions, but did not differ in their evaluation of wrongness and seriousness of the child's behavior. After repeated noncompliance, a risk group difference was found in estimates of future child compliance but not in the use of power assertive discipline. Results support the view that high-risk, relative to low-risk, mothers are differentially responsive to stressful situations and differ in their attributions for negative child behaviors and in their expectations of future child compliance. However, since risk group differences in disciplinary choices were not also found, additional research is needed to demonstrate the process through which risk group cognitive and affective differences are related to differences in disciplinary behavior. 57 references and 4 tables. (Author abstract)

 

KEY TERMS:    mothers;  child behavior;  parental attitudes;  discipline;  child abuse research;  risk factors;  parental expectations;  high risk groups

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

 

TITLE:    Coping Strategies and Burnout Among Veteran Child Protection Workers.

 

AUTHOR:    Anderson, D. G.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Child Abuse and Neglect

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Kentucky Univ., Lexington. Coll. of Social Work.

 

SOURCE:    24(6): pp. 839-848;  Elsevier Science, Ltd., New York, NY., June 2000;  p. 200

 

ABSTRACT:    This study examined how veteran child protective service investigations workers cope with job stress and the relationship between coping strategies and levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and sense of reduced personal accomplishment (burnout syndrome). Cross-sectional, self-report methodology was used to measure coping strategies and the burnout syndrome. The voluntary subjects were 151 front-line child protective service workers with at least 2 years experience in a southeastern Department of Social Services. They attended one of nine stress management workshops provided in various locations around the state. Quantitative analyses were run on the data. These workers perceived themselves to use Engaged (active) coping strategies more than Disengaged (avoidant) strategies. Sixty-two percent of participants scored in the high range on Emotional Exhaustion, the aspect some researchers consider to be the heart of Burnout. Those who used Engaged coping were less likely to feel depersonalized and more likely to feel a sense of personal accomplishment. Neither the use of active nor avoidant coping strategies saved these workers from Emotional Exhaustion. The problem-focused strategies they are taught and use most do not help deal with the emotional content and context of their work, suggesting the use of emotion-focused coping to prevent and remediate burnout. 39 references and 3 tables. (Author abstract)

 

KEY TERMS:    child welfare workers;  coping skills;  well being;  child protective services;  psychological characteristics;  stress management;  investigations;  child welfare research

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

 

TITLE:    The Influence of Personality and History of Sexual Victimization in the Prediction of Juvenile Perpetrated Child Molestation.

 

AUTHOR:    Hunter, J. A.;  Figueredo, A. J.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Behavior Modification

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Virginia Univ., Charlottesville. School of Medicine.

 

SOURCE:    24(2): pp. 241-263;  Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., April 2000;  p. 241

 

ABSTRACT:    Structural equation modeling was used to delineate the relationship between sexual victimization and personality variables in the prediction of patterns of child molestation in adolescent males. Two hundred thirty-five adolescents, representing subsamples of sexually victimized and nonvictimized, perpetrating and nonperpetrating, and emotionally maladjusted and nonmaladjusted youths, participated in the study. Juvenile child molesters were found to have more pessimistic explanatorystyles and deficits in self-sufficiency relative to nonoffending youths. A younger age at time of victimization, a greater number of incidents, a longer period of waiting to report the abuse, and a lower level of perceived family support postrevelation of the abuse were found to be predictive of subsequent sexual perpetration. Implications for treatment are discussed. 44 references, 1 figure, and 2 tables. (Author abstract)

 

KEY TERMS:    adolescent sex offenders;  sexual abuse;  child abuse history;  sequelae;  characteristics of abuser;  personality;  predictor variables;  child abuse research

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

 

TITLE:    The Relevance of Narrative Research With Children Who Witness War and Children Who Witness Woman Abuse.

 

AUTHOR:    Berman, H.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    University of Western Ontario, London (Canada). School of Nursing.

 

SOURCE:    3(1): pp. 107-125;  Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY., 2000;  p. 253

 

ABSTRACT:    This article highlights findings from a recent critical narrative study comparing the experiences of children of war and children exposed to domestic violence. The sample consisted of 15 children of war and 16 children of battered women, ages 10-17. Although both groups of children reported similar symptoms of trauma, such as loneliness, problems eating and sleeping, headaches and intrusive thoughts and fears, their perceptions of their experiences were significantly different. The children of war had fond memories of their life before the war and viewed the war as a temporary situation. The children who witnessed domestic violence often were unable to identify periods of happiness and contentment in their life. Children of warwere clear that they were on the right side of a conflict between good and bad, while children exposed to spouse abuse could not take sides in their conflict. The relevance of narrative research with this population is discussed and implications for researchers and clinicians are presented. 55 references. (Author abstract modified)

 

KEY TERMS:    research methodology;  child witnesses of family violence;  trauma;  community violence;  child abuse research;  qualitative research;  posttraumatic stress disorder;  sequelae

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.haworthpressinc.com

 

 

TITLE:    Evaluation of the London (Ontario) Community Group Treatment Programme for Children Who Have Witnessed Woman Abuse.

 

AUTHOR:    Suderman, M.;  Marshall, L.;  Loosely, S.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Thames Valle District School Board, London, ON (Canada).

 

SOURCE:    3(1): pp. 127-146;  Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY., 2000;  p. 254

 

ABSTRACT:    This article describes a community group model of intervention for children exposed to woman abuse, and an evaluation approach used to assess the impact of such groups. The collaborative development of the questionnaire-interview evaluation instruments for this purpose is described, and the set of instruments is presented in its entirety. The main instrument was tailored to the content of the groups and covers topics such as definitions and understanding of abuse, safety skills, beliefs and attitudes about abuse, perceived responsibility for abuse, alternatives to violence, non-violent conflict resolution strategies, and help-seeking skills. Both closed-ended and open-ended questions are employed. Separate questionnaires assess consumer (mother or caregiver and child) satisfaction and feedback. The results of a study evaluating the groups are described, which showed positive changes from pre to post intervention, as well as a high degree of satisfaction among children and mothers with regard to the groups. 17 references. (Author abstract)

 

KEY TERMS:    program evaluation;  child witnesses of family violence;  group therapy;  therapeutic effectiveness;  community intervention projects;  assessment;  program models;  canada

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.haworthpressinc.com

 

 

TITLE:    The Transracial Adoption Debate in the United States.

 

AUTHOR:    Lancaster, M. K.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Monroe County Florida Public Schools.

 

SOURCE:    Kathy Lancaster, Key Colony Beach, FL., February 2000;  p. 267

 

ABSTRACT:    This paper applies social systems logic, theory, and concepts to an analysis of the structures and processes, problems, and prospects involved in the cross cultural adoption of minority children into dominant culture families. Argumentsfor and against transracial adoption are summarized, with an examination of the values of community-self determination, the benefits of integration, and the needs of children for permanency. Viewed in one regard, this social issue has the potential of pitting two social systems, racial-cultural preservation and child welfare (permanency), against each other. Viewed in another regard, the issue can be approached with a goal of harmony for both society and for individuals. Proponents and opponents of transracial adoption are urged to focus on their shared goal of child welfare to form partnerships and help multiracial families support the development of racial identity in minority children. The perception of conflict between the goals of these two systems (racial-cultural preservation and child welfare) is also addressed. 14 references. (Author abstract modified)

 

KEY TERMS:    transracial adoption;  social problems;  sociology;  racial identity;  child welfare;  permanency planning;  policy formation;  social policies

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Technical Report

 

 

TITLE:    Cultural Factors in Child Maltreatment and Domestic Violence in Korea.

 

AUTHOR:    Doe, S. S.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Children and Youth Services Review

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Indiana Univ. Northwest. Div. of Social Work.

 

SOURCE:    22(3-4): pp. 231-236;  Elsevier Science, Ltd., New York, NY., March-April 2000;  p. 286

 

ABSTRACT:    Recent laws enacted and proposed in Korea illustrate the country s growing recognition of the social problems of child maltreatment and domestic violence. However, differences in perceptions of the use of corporal punishment and intervention exist among teachers, physicians, and social workers, as well as in the general public. In Korean culture, children are taught to be obedient and to live up to adults expectations, quietly carrying out their important duties like schoolwork.In such an adult-centered culture that has largely ignored children s opinions and perceptions, corporal punishment has been accepted as a disciplinary action often employed by parents and teachers. Until recently, little public attention has been paid to children at risk of being abused in the name of disciplining. Empirical studies conducted in the 1990s found that physical punishment is prevalent, with boys and younger children most likely to be disciplined. Social workers and physicians are more likely than teachers to perceive corporal punishment as child maltreatment and to support government intervention. Similarly, traditional patriarchal values also contributed to domestic violence, as husbands imposed the hierarchical order in the family. One study found that as many as 30 percent of couples interviewed had experienced some form of violence in the previous year. Coverage by the media and advocacy by various civic and non-profit organizations has prompted the establishment of a national level public policy for preventing child abuse and domestic violence. 6 references. (Author abstract modified)

 

KEY TERMS:    child abuse research;  spouse abuse;  asia;  cultural factors;  cultural values;  corporal punishment;  social problems;  public awareness

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

 

TITLE:    The Dangerousness of Parents Who Have Abnormal Illness Behaviour.

 

AUTHOR:    Eminson, M.;  Atkin, B. L.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Child Abuse Review

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Royal Bolton Hospital, Farnworth (United Kingdom).

 

SOURCE:    9(1): pp. 68-73;  John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, NY., January-February 2000;  p. 315

 

ABSTRACT:    Parental abnormal illness behavior can affect children in many ways, developmentally, physically, and psychologically. The most direct effect is the likelihood that parents with abnormal illness behavior will inflict their children withfactitious disorders or Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. In addition, parents who believe they are seriously ill spend a great deal of time in the hospital, at doctor s appointments, and in bed, making themselves emotionally and physically unavailable to their children. Children may stay home from school to care for their parent, and be placed at risk for academic and social delays. The extent of the direct and indirect effects of parental abnormal illness behavior may depend on the severity of the behavior, as well as the parent s own history of childhood abuse and neglect. Pediatricians and other professionals who work with children should be aware of the symptoms of abnormal illness behavior and consider protective factors in any assessment of the family. Future research should examine how parents with abnormal illness behavior perceive their child s health and the effects of the behavior on the health and development of the child. 12 references.

 

KEY TERMS:    munchausen syndrome by proxy;  sequelae;  child development;  mental disorders;  definitions;  research needs;  risk factors;  clinical intervention

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.wiley.com

 

 

TITLE:    The Epidemic of Rape and Child Sexual Abuse in the United States.

 

AUTHOR:    Russell, D. E. H.;  Bolen, R. M.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Mills Coll., Oakland, CA.

 

SOURCE:    Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., June 2000;  p. 342

 

ABSTRACT:    This book evaluates 14 government- and privately-funded studies, including the authors', to address the perceived wide variation in prevalence rates of rape and child sexual abuse in the United States. It takes into consideration the various definitions the studies have used for rape and sexual abuse, as well as methodologies for collecting data. In particular, the book addresses sexual victimization statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which the authors assert have historically reported low incidence rates. A major goal of the evaluation was to address widely publicized backlash criticism, from anti-femnists and others, claiming that high sexual assault rates have been; greatly exaggerated. Results validate the authors' premise that the FBI's and the BJS's methodologies are inferior, and that the scope of the problems of rape and child sexual abuse have reached epidemic levels. The authors offer recommendations for further addressing the issues. Twenty tables; 13 figures; two appendixes; index; numerous references.

 

KEY TERMS:    rape;  sexual abuse;  laws;  research;  surveys;  government role;  statistics;  data analysis

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Book

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.sagepub.com/

 

 

TITLE:    The Abused Child as Parent: The Structure and Content of Physically Abused Mothers' Perceptions of Their Babies.

 

AUTHOR:    Gara, M. A.;  Allen, L. A.;  Herzog, E. P.;  Woolfolk, R. L.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Child Abuse and Neglect

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    New Jersey Univ. of Medicine and Dentistry, Piscataway. Dept. of Psychiatry.

 

SOURCE:    24(5): pp. 627-639;  Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, NY., May 2000;  p. 355

 

ABSTRACT:    Does a mother's history of being physically abused as a child have a discernable impact on the structure and content of her perceptions and beliefs concerning her own child? This study attempted to provide an empirical answer. The studycontacted 185 as potential participants in the longitudinal study; 103 agreed to participate. They were classified as abused' or not-abused' based on their responses to a standard questionnaire. The methodology involved free-response memories and current description of babies, self, and significant others such as parents, when their babies were six months, one year, and two years old. The two groups were compared with respect to the age of baby, race, and socioeconomic status. Results showed thatabused mothers were found to differ significantly from control mothers in the structure and content of their free-response perceptions of their own babies. Specifically, abused mothers lagged behind controls in how well differentiated were their negative perceptions of their babies. Conversely, abused mothers were comparable to controls with respect to differentiation of positive perceptions of babies. The authors assert that the findings constitute a discovery about the structural organization of social cognition in mothers at risk for child abuse. Five figures; 27 references. (Author abstract modified.)

 

KEY TERMS:    child abuse history;  abusive parents;  children at risk;  longitudinal studies;  perceptions;  data collection;  data analysis;  social cognition

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

 

TITLE:    The Relationship of Social Support to Physically Abused Children's Adjustment.

 

AUTHOR:    Ezzell, C. E.;  Swenson, C. C.;  Brondino, M. J.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Child Abuse and Neglect

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Medical Univ. of South Carolina, Charleston. Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

 

SOURCE:    24(5): pp. 641-651;  Elsevier Science Ltd., New York, NY., May 2000;  p. 356

 

ABSTRACT:    With a growing body of research linking increased levels of social support with reduced adjustment difficulties in children experiencing chronic stressors, this study used data from a sample of physically abused children and their primary caretakers to address fundamental questions regarding the relationship between social support and child adjustment. Specifically, the study had three goals: to assess physically abused children's perceptions of teacher, peer, and family support; to determine whether the levels of perceived support differ according to the person's social role; and to assess which sources of social support show stronger associations with adjustment in a physically abused sample. Participants included 37 Medicaid-eligible physically abused children and their self-identified primary parent or caregiver. Methodology included a shortened version of the Survey of Children's Social Support, and answers were indexed by child and parent reports of child depression, anxiety, and anger. Results showed that children reported receiving a high level of support from all three sources, with families rated as providing significantly greater levels of support than teachers, while family and peer, and teacher andpeer support levels did not differ significantly. In regression analyses, perceived peer support was significantly negatively related to children's and parent's reports of children's depression and anxiety. Perceived family support was significantly negatively associated with child-reported depression. Results suggest that peer and family support are particularly important for physically abused children's psychological functioning, particularly for internalizing problems. Thirty-two references. (Author abstract modified.)

 

KEY TERMS:    child abuse;  perceptions;  support systems;  family relationships;  adjustment problems;  research;  data analysis;  therapists role

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

 

TITLE:    Treating Secondary Victims: Intervention With the Non-Offending Mother in the Incest Family.

 

AUTHOR:    Strand, V. C.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Fordham Univ., Tarrytown, NY. Graduate School of Social Service.

 

SOURCE:    Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA., July 2000;  p. 378

 

ABSTRACT:    The nonabusive mother of incest victims has unique psychological needs for her own recovery from the trauma of the abuse and its effects on her perception of self and her role as wife, sexual partner, worker, and mother. This book describes the mother as a secondary victim and examines the influence of race, class, work history, and individual and family history on her response to the sexual abuse of her child. The chapters review countertransference issues, the impact of professional training, and social attitudes about the fault of the mother. A conceptual framework for evaluation and treatment is also presented, supported by numerous case studies. Phases of the treatment model include engagement and assessment, early intervention in response to traumatic effects, coping capacities, surfacing traumatic effects of the incest, identification of relational consequences, and resolution. Strategies for individual, group, and family treatment, and case coordination are explained. The book also examines issues regarding custody and visitation disputes and highlights future directions for research. Numerous references.

 

KEY TERMS:    intervention strategies;  clinical intervention;  nonabusive parents;  mothers of abuse victims;  incest;  therapeutic intervention;  program models;  cultural factors

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Book

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.sagepub.com/

 

 

TITLE:    Childhood Experiences of Domestic Violence.

 

AUTHOR:    McGee, C.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, London (United Kingdom). Child Protection Research Group.

 

SOURCE:    Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London (United Kingdom)., 2000;  p. 405

 

ABSTRACT:    Fifty-four children and their mothers were interviewed for a study about the best ways to support children who have witnessed domestic violence, the perceptions of children and their mothers about support services, and the typical +; sources of support sought by families. Study participants were asked about the forms of domestic violence and child abuse they experienced, triggers of violence, characteristics of abusers, and the effects of witnessing violence on the child's identity, +; health, education, friendships, and relationships with family members. This book summarizes the findings of the study and identifies methods of coping and barriers to assistance for the women and children. The responses of social service agencies, law +; enforcement, schools, courts, and health professionals to the needs of children affected by domestic violence are also reviewed and assessed. The final chapter outlines recommendations for raising public awareness of domestic violence, legal protection, +; professional training, support services, and the protection of children during contact with the abuser. Numerous references, 1 figure, and 1 table.

 

KEY TERMS:    child witnesses of family violence;  spouse abuse;  service delivery;  intervention strategies;  policy formation;  battered women;  child protection;  sequelae

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Book

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.jkp.com

 

 

TITLE:    An Analysis of Rank Effects on Child Maltreatment in the United States Army: 1983-1985.

 

AUTHOR:    Soma, D. J.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

SOURCE:    In: Mercier, P. J. and Mercier, J. D. (Editors). Battle Cries on the Home Front: Violence in the Military Family. Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd., Springfield, IL., 2000;  p. 430

 

ABSTRACT:    Data from surveys conducted by the United States Army were analyzed to determine whether neglect and serious child abuse-related injuries were more common in the junior enlisted grades. Overall, the Army child maltreatment rate was 7.5 per 1,000 children, 4 points lower than the national rate for 0-17 year olds. However, maltreatment rates for younger children were comparable to the national rate. An association was found between the rank of a parent and the rate of maltreatment. Excluding maltreatment rates for E-1s and E-2s because those individuals are in training, maltreatment was more common among E-3s than E-7s. The maltreatment rate decreased steadily as rank increased. The rate also declined with child age. Children age 0-2 years old were almost twice as likely to be abused or neglected as 3-5 years olds and more than three times as likely as 6-11 year olds. The risk of maltreatment is also higher for male children than females. Possible explanations for these trends include the greater social acceptability of physically disciplining boys, the income differences between ranks, social isolation and difficult living conditions, family instability related to mobility, lack of support for the family, and perceptions of low status and control over the environment. Based on these findings, prevention programs should target the families of E-3s through E-5s. 29 references and 9 tables.

 

KEY TERMS:    statistical data;  incidence;  child abuse research;  armed forces;  military personnel;  characteristics of abuser;  characteristics of abused;  predictor variables

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Chapter in Book

 

 

TITLE:    Judgements About Parenting: What Do Social Workers Think They Are Doing?

 

AUTHOR:    Daniel, B.

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

JOURNAL TITLE:    Child Abuse Review

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    Dundee Univ., (Scotland). Center for Child Care and Protection Studies.

 

SOURCE:    9(2): pp. 91-107;  John Wiley and Sons, Ltd., Chichester, West Sussex (United Kingdom)., 2000;  p. 449

 

ABSTRACT:    Scottish social workers' beliefs about the elements of parenting that ensure a child's well-being and their perceptions about what underpins their decision-making about child care and protection were examined in this study. Q methodology revealed eight different strands of opinion, three of which are discussed in the article: that physical milestones are easier to assess than emotional needs; that children can be happy, even in less than ideal environments; and that positive attachment to the caregiver is the most important characteristic of adequate parenting. The discussion indicates that there is broad consistency of opinion within factors. That is, there is a link between views about children's needs and decision-making.However, the different factors also demonstrate that there are clusters of significantly different opinions about priorities in assessing parenting. 28 references and 2 tables. (Author abstract)

 

KEY TERMS:    scotland;  social workers attitudes;  social workers role;  decision making;  values;  cultural conflicts;  parental adequacy;  parenting

 

PUBLICATION TYPE:    Journal Article

 

INTERNET URL:    http://www.wiley.com

 

 

TITLE:    Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Theoretical, Empirical and Clinical Perspectives.

 

AUTHOR:    Hayslip, B. (Editor);  Goldberg-Glen, R. (Editor)

 

PUBLICATION YEAR:    2000

 

AUTHOR AFFILIATION:    University of North Texas, Denton. Dept. of Psychology.

 

SOURCE:    Springer Publishing Co., Inc., New York, NY., August 2000;  p. 483

 

ABSTRACT:    An increasing number of grandparents are being given custody of their grandchildren as nuclear family structures change with divorce, teenage childbirth, or conditions that prevent parents from caring for their children. Written for alltypes of professionals who work with families, this book reviews the research regarding grandparents raising grandchildren and describes the clinical and policy implications of the phenomenon. Section One focuses on theoretical and historical perspectives of custodial grandparenting with chapters that examine the demographic characteristics of grandparent caregivers, the influence of grandparents on their grandchildren, and the communication of beliefs and cultural from one generation to another. The second section explores the different ways in which grandparents care for their grandchildren. Topics include the emotional well-being of grandparents caring for children whose parents have HIV, cross-cultural differences in custodial grandparenting, and the differences between primary and secondary caregiving. Section Three addresses clinical perspectives, such as the physical and mental health of the grandparents, depression among grandparent caregivers, school-based interventions for children, perceptions