Children at the center of high conflict divorce and/or child protection cases face increased risks to both current and future health and adjustment. There is a growing research base regarding these risks and the coping abilities that children need for successful adjustment, but training gaps and poorly structured services continue to be serious problems. The specific characteristics of these families, and risks faced by these children, underscore the importance of treatment, psychoeducation, and other services adapted to this population

Evidence-Informed Interventions for Court-Involved Families provides a critical, research-informed analysis of the core factors to include when developing child-centered approaches to therapy and other family interventions, both in a formal treatment setting and promoting healthy engagement with the other systems and activities critical to children’s daily lives. This book addresses common problems, obstacles, and the backdrop of support from other professionals or the court, which may be necessary for successful intervention. An international team of renowned authors provide chapters covering a variety of service models and draw on a wide range of relevant research addressing the legal context, central issues for treatment and other services, and specialized issues such as trauma, family violence, parent-child contact problems, and children with special needs. The book assembles in one place the best of what is known about intervention for court-involved families, along with practical guidance for using relevant research, understanding its limitations, and matching service plans to families’ needs. It will be an essential resource for all mental health professionals evaluating or providing services to these families, and to the lawyers and judges seeking a better understanding of what works for these families.