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Psychiatric in-patient care of children and adolescents: A multi-cultural approach
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BOOK REVIEWS
Psychiatric In-Patient Care of Children and Adolescents: A Multi-Cultural Approach. Robert L. Hendrun and Irving N. Berlin (Eds.). New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1991, pp. 330 + xix. Price E36. A major justification made for this book by the publishers is the sharp increase in the number and scope of child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units in North America. This makes a startling contrast to the situation in Britain where we have almost the converse with, perhaps not a sharp decline, but certainly a very steady one over the last 10 years. The editors feel, rightly, that there is a dearth of written material on in-patient units and the publishers appear to claim that this is the first in the field. This sadly ignores Barker’s important book (Barker, 1974) but it is fair to say that there have been many changes since that was published. The 13 contributors to this volume, drawn from most of the professions to be found working in in-patient units deal with a wide range of issues which face all in this field. The major strength of the book, however, is the emphasis it places on multi-cultural issues. The majority of the authors work in new Mexico and their clientele are a mixture of Anglo, Hispanic and American Indian children and their families. Throughout there are anecdotes and discussions of the importance of paying attention to the enormous potential conflicts which can occur when professionals from one culture ignore the expectations and values of those they are seeking to help. For this aspect alone the book can be highly recommended to any who work in residential settings with adolescents. In addition there are good accounts of more general topics such as the role of particular treatments and of the milieu in helping the patients. A further area which I am sure will soon become routine in any similar books published in this country is a section on administrative issues. I felt a strong tinge of disquiet as I read of “the necessity in today’s competitive hospital market to provide excellent patient care and financial solvency”. It does, however, look as though this is the way we are going and for this reason too I would recommend that this book is available in any in-patient or residential unit for children and adolescents. Barker, P. (1974). The Residential Lockwood Staples.
Psychiatric
Treatment of Children. London: Crosby
(Maudsley
Stephen Wolkind Hospital, London.)
Attachment Behaviour and the Schoolchild. An Introduction to Educational Muriel Barrett and Jane Trevitt. Routledge, 1991. ISBN G-415-04798-6.
Therapy. Al2.99.
This very much overdue book introduces Educational Therapy, an intervention that addresses the emotional and cognitive needs of children who have lost their capacity to learn. Educational Therapy has evolved from the exciting, and invaluable pioneering work of Irene Caspari at the Tavistock Clinic in the 1960s with
BOOK REVIEWS
Psychiatric In-Patient Care of Children and Adolescents: A Multi-Cultural Approach. Robert L. Hendrun and Irving N. Berlin (Eds.). New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1991, pp. 330 + xix. Price E36. A major justification made for this book by the publishers is the sharp increase in the number and scope of child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient units in North America. This makes a startling contrast to the situation in Britain where we have almost the converse with, perhaps not a sharp decline, but certainly a very steady one over the last 10 years. The editors feel, rightly, that there is a dearth of written material on in-patient units and the publishers appear to claim that this is the first in the field. This sadly ignores Barker’s important book (Barker, 1974) but it is fair to say that there have been many changes since that was published. The 13 contributors to this volume, drawn from most of the professions to be found working in in-patient units deal with a wide range of issues which face all in this field. The major strength of the book, however, is the emphasis it places on multi-cultural issues. The majority of the authors work in new Mexico and their clientele are a mixture of Anglo, Hispanic and American Indian children and their families. Throughout there are anecdotes and discussions of the importance of paying attention to the enormous potential conflicts which can occur when professionals from one culture ignore the expectations and values of those they are seeking to help. For this aspect alone the book can be highly recommended to any who work in residential settings with adolescents. In addition there are good accounts of more general topics such as the role of particular treatments and of the milieu in helping the patients. A further area which I am sure will soon become routine in any similar books published in this country is a section on administrative issues. I felt a strong tinge of disquiet as I read of “the necessity in today’s competitive hospital market to provide excellent patient care and financial solvency”. It does, however, look as though this is the way we are going and for this reason too I would recommend that this book is available in any in-patient or residential unit for children and adolescents. Barker, P. (1974). The Residential Lockwood Staples.
Psychiatric
Treatment of Children. London: Crosby
(Maudsley
Stephen Wolkind Hospital, London.)
Attachment Behaviour and the Schoolchild. An Introduction to Educational Muriel Barrett and Jane Trevitt. Routledge, 1991. ISBN G-415-04798-6.
Therapy. Al2.99.
This very much overdue book introduces Educational Therapy, an intervention that addresses the emotional and cognitive needs of children who have lost their capacity to learn. Educational Therapy has evolved from the exciting, and invaluable pioneering work of Irene Caspari at the Tavistock Clinic in the 1960s with