Abstract
ABSTRACT Attachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications. The aim of this consensus statement is, therefore, to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and steer family-court utilisation of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction, especially with regard to child protection and child custody decision-making. The article is divided into two parts. In the first, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. To this end, we examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard, discuss misunderstandings regarding attachment theory, and identify factors that have hindered accurate implementation. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. To this end, we set out three attachment principles: the child’s need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; the value of continuity of good-enough care; and the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. Although there is dissensus among us regarding the use of assessments of attachment quality to inform child custody and child-protection decisions, such assessments are currently most suitable for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Highlights
Attachment theory and research have vast practical utility for those concerned with the well-being of children, caregiving, and family functioning
Our aim with this consensus statement is, to counter misinformation and help steer family court applications of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction on matters related to child protection and custody decisions
(1) We examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard
Summary
The “best-interest-of-the-child” standard has become ubiquitous in family court decisionmaking regarding child protection and custody. The scope of subsequent attachment research may have reinforced this impression: the vast majority of studies have focused on mothers and fathers have still not been sufficiently included (Cowan & Cowan, 2019; Lux & Walper, 2019) Another likely reason for the rise of attachment theory in family courts is that the theory – linking caregiver sensitivity to child attachment quality (Fearon & Belsky, 2016; Lucassen et al, 2011) and child attachment quality to subsequent development (Groh et al, 2017a) – has seemed to offer solid empirical ground for anchoring best-interest considerations. There has been overuse of attachment ideas and measures, with practice unmoored from evidence (for a discussion, see White et al, 2019)
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