Toward relationship-based child welfare services

A relationship-based theoretical framework for child welfare services is proposed. Research literature is reviewed relative to attachment theory, relationship quality of maltreated child–parent and maltreated child–surrogate parent dyads, and effective child–parent and child–surrogate parent relationship-enhancing interventions. Authors recommend that establishment or repair of a protective, emotionally responsive positive child–parent or child–surrogate parent relationship be the central focus of child welfare services. A model is offered as a conceptual foundation for measures to be used in federal Child and Family Services Reviews.