Hanson, Marci J., & Lynch, Eleanor W. Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability, and Risk

Adolescence, Fall, 2004

HANSON, Marci J., & LYNCH, Eleanor W. Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability, and Risk. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 2004.264pp. $32.00 (p).

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 current 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 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; and vignettes that paint vivid pictures of the challenges families face today.