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Attachment theory and the concepts derived from it, are part and parcel of the everyday decision-making processes of child protection and child welfare professionals. Dr. Tommie Forslund, a renowned psychologist and researcher, sheds light on the significance of attachment theory for child protection workers.
Dr. Forslund emphasizes the pivotal role of attachment theory in the context of child protection work. He outlines that attachment theory revolves around the key aspects of child-caregiver interactions and relationships, which are crucial for caregiving, and the child's needs and development. Attachment theory operates on two significant levels: the species-typical, normative level, which deals with the child's need to develop attachment relationships and the functions these relationships serve; and the level concerning individual variations in child-caregiver attachment quality. These levels address important considerations for caregiving-based support, child out-of-home placements, and family-home care, highlighting the profound impact of secure and insecure relationships on child development.
Dr. Forslund provides examples of how attachment theory can be practically applied by child protection workers to enhance their interventions and support for vulnerable children. Attachment theory serves as a crucial framework for understanding caregiving and children's needs. Recent attachment principles outlined in an international consensus statement and the development of attachment-based interventions have shown positive effects on caregiving behavior, child-caregiver attachment quality, and child development. These interventions, which can be time-effective, have also benefited family-home caregivers. Additionally, attachment theory aids in assessing caregivers' "capacity to change" and developing practical instruments for assessing caregiving behavior relevant to attachment quality and child development.
A major challenge in applying attachment theory in child protection is the rapid development of attachment research and the insufficient communication between scholars and practitioners. Dr. Forslund points out the difficulty in acquiring an up-to-date understanding of attachment theory and applying it in an evidence-based manner. The masterclass he mentions aims to address these challenges by providing knowledge on key aspects of attachment theory and research relevant to child protection. It also tackles the applicability of assessing child-caregiver attachment quality in decision-making, predictive values of attachment quality for future development, and considerations around "good-enough" caregiving and out-of-home placements.
For those eager to deepen their understanding of attachment theory, Dr. Forslund recommends several resources. The international consensus statement on attachment theory, accessible open source in Attachment and Human Development, offers a foundational understanding. His book, "The Psychology of Attachment," co-authored with Robbie Duschinsky and Pehr Granqvist, provides an accessible introduction to the theory. The Society for Emotion and Attachment Studies (SEAS) homepage and the Handbook of Attachment offer in-depth discussions on key attachment concepts and up-to-date research findings. These resources, along with further recommendations from the masterclass, provide valuable knowledge for child protection workers seeking to integrate attachment theory into their practice.
In conclusion, Dr. Tommie Forslund's insights into the application of attachment theory in child protection underscore its importance in understanding and supporting the complex needs of vulnerable children and their families. Through practical applications, addressing common challenges, and leveraging available resources, child protection workers can significantly enhance their interventions and contribute to the positive development of children in their care. Tommie Forslund will be giving an online masterclass about the application of attachment theory in child protection work on March 27th 2024. All information and a registration form can be found here.