Let's Get This Straight: A Gay- And Lesbian-Affirming Approach to Child Welfare

By Gerald P. Mallon

The first book to approach child welfare from a gay- and lesbian-affirming perspective, Let's Get This Straight uncovers 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231111371
• ISBN13: 9780231111379
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Remarkable

Gerald P. Mallon has a way with words. He clearly states the case for the frequently forgotten GLBTQ children in our society. At the same time, he paints pictures of these children and invites us into their lives. It was hard not to get emotional when reading about the children in the book. The information included in this slim volume is vital to everyone who works with children.