Presents a model for strategic, therapeutic interventions to help children stop repetitive behavioral sequences that offer protection from painful losses, but block the grief process. (Author/RH)

Discusses current ideas about the symptoms and psychodynamics of depression in middle and late childhood (ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12, respectively). Implications for intervention differ according to cognitive development. Environmental intervention and family involvement are necessary in middle childhood, and individual psychotherapy in late…

Notes that individual therapy is often assumed to be the desired intervention for children in alternate care who are having adjustment problems. Argues that group work should be considered as a possible treatment of choice, as it allows the child to develop his or her own support network. Describes such a group and its successful outcome. (HTH)

Hypothesizes that traumatization underlies the difficulties many children experience from witnessing their parents' marital violence/spousal abuse, and argues that intervention should be designed to counteract post-traumatic disorders. A case study highlights this discussion. (BB)