Let's Get This Straight

The first book to approach child welfare from a gay- and lesbian-affirming perspective, Let's Get This Straightuncovers and challenges the pervasive presence of "heterocentrism" within the social work profession. It draws upon case examples and in-depth interviews to illustrate the degree to which myths and stereotypes about gay and lesbian youth detrimentally affect those most in need of assistance.Gerald P. Mallon uses an ecological perspective to highlight the five areas of child welfare:(1) family support / preservation;(2) protection from abuse and neglect;(3) adoption services;(4) out-of-home care services; and(5) the development of foster and adoptive homes.He discusses the implications of this ecological perspective for service delivery, the impact of laws and legislation, and the role gay and lesbian professionals can play in these areas to provide unbiased care to lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.

Gerald P. Mallon is assistant professor of social work at Hunter College.