Attachment goes to court

Pehr Granqvist

Pehr Granquist

I discuss our “Attachment goes to court” consensus statement (Forslund et al., 2022) on the use of attachment theory and research in child protection and custody contexts. Attachment theory is often drawn upon in such contexts, but misunderstandings are widespread and can result in serious misapplications that run counter to a child’s best interests. 

With our consensus statement, we aimed to counter misinformation and steer the use of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction. In this presentation, I address the problems identified in our consensus statement. I also delineate our recommendations for how attachment theory and research may instead be used, focusing on three principles: (1) the child’s need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; (2) the value of continuity of good-enough care; and (3) the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. Notably, in my view, assessments of attachment quality are unsuitable to inform pertinent decision-making; such assessments are suitable only for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, I describe post-consensus statement empirical findings on the use of attach