Fixing Families: Parents, Power, and the Child Welfare System

By Jennifer A. Reich

Book Overview

In Fixing Families, Jennifer Reich takes us inside Child Protective Services for an in-depth look at the entire organization. Following families from the beginning of a case to its discharge, Reich shows how parents negotiate with the state for custody of their children, and how being held accountable to the state affects a family.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415947278
• ISBN13: 9780415947275
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 376 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

exellent book for classes on family

I just finished teaching this book to my upper division family sociology class. I have renewed enthusiasm and respect for this work after reading and discussing the book for a third (or fourth?) time. The book particularly struck a chord with those who have gone through the child welfare system; in such cases, Reich's analyses were not only instructive, but helped to illuminate the unspoken processes of the child welfare system. I recommend highly.

Another look at the system

As an individual who worked in the child welfare system at state and county agencies in multiple states for more than 25 years, I viewed the child welfare system based on my own experience. This book presents another perspective that is very important. Riech notes that those in the system have "the best of intentions". She reflects that the core tension of protecting children from their families and helping families remain together undermines attempts to improve practice. Certainly, as Riech suggests, power is critical throughout the child welfare system and practice. Although I personally know of skilled workers who engage and intervene with families in much more effective and respectful ways than were provided in some examples, I also know that the examples are real and reflective of some others. Overall, it is informative and thought provoking and I would recomend it for anyone who works in or wants to better understand the child welfare system.