International Universities Press,
Inc. This short book was written by a professor of social work and a professor of psychiatry. It covers only 150 pages and closes with a very limited list of references. It is a very disappointing book and nor anywhere near a handbook. It appears to be a compilation of 3" by 5" cards. The book does not address false allegations or recent court cases and reversals. The content sticks to the party line and the topic of child abuse is dealt with in a simplistic manner despite the complexity of the topic. Several important areas are ignored, including child abandonment and failure to thrive, one-parent families, the clinical use of foster homes, visitation by parents, problems obtaining treatment for parents, and political issues. Particularly absent are the lessons that could be learned by protective service workers and therapists from cases such as Akiki, Kelly Michaels, McMartin, and Little Rascals. This book is one-sided, more advocacy than science, and is not recommended. Reviewed by LeRoy Schultz, Emeritus Professor, West Virginia University.
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