an interdisciplinary professor in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina and a qualitative researcher, notes in her introduction that her book "is about children who believe that change is possible and that their voices can inspire change" (p. xiii). Mitchell then takes the reader on a journey into the lives of children who have experienced living within the foster-care system. As many of us may only know at a perfunctory level, she details a foster-care system which is inherently ambiguous, without consistency, lacking in transparency and communication, and devoid of opportunities for children to express their creativity and individuality. She ruthlessly makes her point that these conditions create a situation in which children are not afforded the chance to gain the agency and autonomy necessary to cope with and navigate such the life changing experience of being taken away from their primary caregivers and being subject to the whims of bureaucracy. Adapting her dissertation research at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, her book is meant to be a step-by-step guide offering practical and understandable ways to apply developmentally informed knowledge to a sometimes brutal system. Building on the foundational work of Boss' ambiguous loss theory (1999), Doka's disenfranchised grief theory (1989), Lazarus and Folkman's stress and coping theory (1984), and Neimeyer's work on meaning making (2001), Mitchell creates a compelling portrait of the maddening dearth of support, resources, and understanding that ambiguous loss ravages on youth who are placed in foster care. Written primarily for child welfare professionals who work directly with foster care youth, this volume can also be utilized by other practitioners who are involved in supporting foster care youth in educational, healthcare, or community settings. Mitchell states My intention is to amplify the voices of children so that readers, using their own knowledge, wisdom, and expertise, can consider the efforts needed within their
grief. The book will resonate with a broad audience, including folks who do not know about these topics. Another strength is current background knowledge about religion is not required to become fully engaged with the chapters. The stories in the various book chapters connect readers to the focus areas in meaningful ways; we cannot seek to make meaning of these topics without narratives. The book is so much more than facts and definitions of religious beliefs. It reflects the editor's perspective, "….but these stories are not just ways to begin book chaptersthey get to the very heart of how we remember and commend our dead" (p. 5). This book certainly captures this vision of the editor. While death, dying, and grief experiences are complex and multifaceted, Kathleen Garces-Foley's organization of the chapters creates a well-crafted book that everyone should consider adding to their reading list.
Many seasoned child life specialists begin to think about expanding their role to serve different pediatric populations and/or settings. This chapter will focus on child life specialists building and sustaining a private practice within the community. Topics will include the need for service, executing a business plan, building community partnerships, and staying within the ethical and professional boundaries as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Additionally, case studies that describe assessments, preparation, developmental explanations, interventions, expressive arts, and play are included. Examples of business documents to help guide child life specialists interested in starting a private practice within their community are also included.
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