ABSTRACT
In this chapter the authors discovers the flexibility of Child-centred Attachment Therapy (CcAT) in work with birth, extended, foster, adoptive, and step-families. They utilises the Programme in therapeutic assessments for Social Services and the Courts where the placement or attachment needs of a child or siblings were in question. The CcAT Programme fosters mutual attachment between carers and children through helping them to synchronise cues and responses and encouraging them to "play" together wherever possible. e. CcAT therapists believe that, where there is a potential for building healthy attachments, it would be emotionally and financially more cost-effective to support this in a child's existing family rather than risk moving her on to a new family in the "care system" and hope that she will transplant with ease. Overall, CcAT appears to offer help when it is needed most: at the time of referral, when child and family are in crisis and therefore more open to change.
