Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration.Īttachment theory and research have vast practical utility for those concerned with the well-being of children, caregiving, and family functioning. 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.

We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. 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. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. 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 first, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. 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. Attachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications.

Shared Custody by Peter Styles