Child Development, Psychodynamics, and the Law

Reviews the book, Beyond the Best Interests of the Child by Joseph Goldstein, Anna Freud, and Albert J. Solnit (see record 1974-10899-000). Considers the nature of the relationship between the child and the custodian, whether biological, psychological, adoptive, or foster parent. Data concerning the child's sense of time and need for continuity of relationships are discussed. Guidelines and their implications for the laws of child placement are presented. The authors attempt to translate psychodynamic principles of growth and development into procedural guides for making decisions about a child's placement in foster care, adoption, or custody in divorce proceedings. The clarity and succinctness of this book are refreshing and make for easy reading. It has, however, a deceptive quality of simplicity The economy of words leaves much to interpretation; there is too little elaboration of controversial ideas. This stimulating essay opens up many important issues, but it is only a beginning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)