The Book of David: How Preserving Families Can Cost Children's Lives Paperback – April 18, 1997

While this book does an excellent job of presenting the cost effectiveness (and therefore political support) of family preservation and reunification it also spotlights the greatest cost of all - our children. As Gelles points out, "...30 to 50 percent of the children killed by parents or caretakers are killed after they were identified by child welfare agencies, were involved in interventions, and were either left in their homes or returned home after a short-term placement" (p.149). Gelles narrates the true story of "David Edwards" who was killed by his mother AFTER CPS removed his older sister and the parents voluntarily gave up their rights to the now permanently brain damaged girl. Gelles exposes "...the sacrosanct belief that children always (or nearly always) are better off with their biological parents" for the myth that it is; a creation based on the "...zeal with which family preservation was sold convinc[ing] many policymakers and service providers that it is the best way to resolve the problems plaguing the child welfare system" (p.141).Gelles also underscores the fact that many excellent potential foster families are lost due to their fear of child welfare placing the child they have bonded with back in the arms of their abusers despite the foster parents' objections and, worst, despite the danger to the child's life. Parents who have no interest in parenting their child are often pursued relentlessly by case workers metaphorically shoving the child in their face and screaming affirmations "You will love this child and be a family even though you cracked her ribs and she has permanent brain damage at your hands!" as the foster parents who long to love and care for the child stand on the sidelines wearing their heart on their sleeve watching helplessly to see how it all plays out.Gelles does not call for an end to family preservation programs or reunification. He simply asks that it not be THE only option and that we base decisions on research and empirical data rather than our blind faith and worship of "the family" even if the price is the child's life.

Couldn't find this book in my local library. I needed it quick for a grad school book report. I found a used one here for a penny! It's an old book, but it's readable and not falling apart. It arrived earlier than expected and met my needs for my book report :)

Richard Gelles turns the "weaving" over and explains the "not so pretty" failure of Child Protective systems. This should be required reading for every provider of services to families and children everywhere. He gives both insight and suggestions for the future - all backed by research and thoughtful reflection.

I bought this for a class and it is sad. It is a bit outdated for most systems but the themes still hold very true. A quick read and a little sad. I was not a fan of the organization of the book.

Had to read this book for a class and I really enjoyed! I was cheap and I got it really quick.

Book came in excellent condition