ABSTRACT

Attachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications. The aim of this consensus statement is, therefore, to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and steer family-court utilisation of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction, especially with regard to child protection and child custody decision-making. The article is divided into two parts. In the first, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. To this end, we examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard, discuss misunderstandings regarding attachment theory, and identify factors that have hindered accurate implementation. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. To this end, we set out three attachment principles: the child’s need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; the value of continuity of good-enough care; and the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. Although there is dissensus among us regarding the use of assessments of attachment quality to inform child custody and child-protection decisions, such assessments are currently most suitable for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration.

摘要

依恋理论和研究是在包括家庭法院在内的许多实际应用中借鉴的，但误解却很普遍，有时会导致误用。因此，这一共识性声明的目的是在支持性，循证的方向上，尤其是在儿童保护和儿童监护决策方面，增进理解，制止错误信息并引导依恋理论在家庭法庭上的运用。文章分为两个部分。首先，我们解决与依恋理论和家庭法院研究有关的问题，并讨论产生这些问题的原因。为此，我们在儿童最佳利益标准的背景下研究了依恋理论在家庭法院的应用，讨论了对依恋理论的误解，并找出阻碍准确实施的因素。在第二部分中，我们为依恋理论和研究的应用提供了建议。为此，我们提出了三个依恋原则：孩子需要熟悉的，非虐待性的照顾者；持续良好护理的价值；以及依恋关系网络的好处。我们还将讨论对依恋质量和看护行为进行评估的适用性，以为家庭法院的决策提供依据。我们得出的结论是，对照顾者行为的评估应该占据中心位置。尽管我们之间在使用依恋质量评估来指导儿童监护和保护儿童的决策上存在分歧，但目前此类评估最适合用于定向和指导支持性干预措施。最后，