Mending Broken Families Social Policies for Divorced Families

Since the 1970s policy-makers and advocates for mothers, fathers, and children have attempted to remedy some of the inherent problems of divorce through public policy. This legislation has taken the form of mandated mediation, legal presumptions for particular custodial arrangements, child support orders, divorce education programs for parents, and parenting plans. Despite this movement, however, there has never been a comprehensive assessment of such policies or their effectiveness. This book provides that evaluation.

Emily M. Douglas is an assistant professor in the Master of Social Work program at Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Massachusetts