A FAMILY SYSTEMS-APPROACH TO CHILD PARENT SEPARATION - DEVELOPMENTAL CLOSURE

This paper presents a family systems model for considering the interac tive events that occur when a child and parent move towards closing th eir relationship and separating. This process typically involves the c hild being 'received into care' and is identified as developmental clo sure. Different stages of this process are exemplified clinically and the therapeutic principles that guide work with families struggling wi th such difficulties are outlined.