Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability, and Risk (Hanson & Lynch)

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Table of Contents

Understanding Families
Approaches to Diversity, Disability, and Risk
By

Marci J. Hanson, Ph.D., & Eleanor W. Lynch, Ph.D.

“The integration of diversity, disability and risk is a significant step for the early intervention [field], which has often approached these areas as separate topics. In contemporary society these must be assimilated. Hanson and Lynch offer statistical, theoretical, and practical suggestions for doing so.” —Toni Linder, Ed.D.

"A whole new conceptualization of diversity. . .with major emphases on providing supports and services to families with diverse structures, diverse socioeconomic levels, and diverse life challenges. Some books break the mold and create whole new vistas of understanding. Welcome to a new vista." —Ann Turnbull, Ed.D., University of Kansas

The contemporary American family has many different faces, beliefs, backgrounds, and value systems — and new and future early interventionists, service providers, and educators must be ready to understand and work respectfully with families of every type. They’ll learn how in this accessible textbook, which combines up-to-the-minute research on families and family-centered services with practical suggestions for working successfully with caregivers, especially those whose young children are at risk or have disabilities. Two trusted experts thoroughly prepare readers to understand and work respectfully with today’s families, giving preservice professionals

an overview of demographics and family diversity, including factors such as family membership, socioeconomic status, culture, ethnicity, and language
insight into how disability influences family life
help with addressing specific risk factors that influence family life, such as disability, poverty, addiction, and violence
a guide to factors that contribute to resilience
tips on communicating and collaborating effectively with families
guidelines on understanding legislation related to educational and family support, assessment, and intervention
guidance on forming strong alliances with families and other professionals
vignettes that paint vivid pictures of the challenges families face today

Enhanced throughout by its emphasis on human resilience and strength, this comprehensive blend of research and practice is every professional’s expert guide to understanding and meeting the needs of diverse families with young children.

ORDERING INFO
ISBN 1-55766-699-7
Paperback
264 pages / 7 x 10
2003 / $35.00
Stock# 6997

Table of Contents

About the Authors
Introduction
Acknowledgments

Section I: Contemporary Family Issues

Diversity in Contemporary Families
Theoretical Perspectives for Understanding Families
Traditional and Evolving Families Roles and Functions

Section II: Risk and Resilience

The Effects of Disability on Family Life
Families in Poverty: Cumulative Risks and Resilience
Addiction and Violence in the Home: Family Life at Risk

Section III: Family Support and Services

Forming Family-Professional Alliances: Research and Practice
Communicating and Collaborating with Families: Cornerstones of Family-Centered Practices

Conclusion: The Family as Possibility
Index