Presents a conceptual framework for the family's reorganization after a divorce, viewed as a crisis of family transition. Social workers must be prepared to help a couple with the complex process of terminating spousal roles but continuing and redefining parental roles, which is central to family redefinition. (Author)

The chronically reconstituting family is a normal and appropriate variation to the traditional pattern. Those processes characteristic of the chronically reconstituting family entail significant psychological and social consequences. Careful evaluation of those norms and values that contribute to this process must be the concern of all clinicians.…

This study examined the underlying common origins of pediatric social illnesses (i.e., child abuse and neglect, failure to thrive, accidents, and poisonings) in children under age 4. Subjects were 560 children admitted to the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston. Children admitted with pediatric social diagnoses were matched on the basis…