Sage Publications, Inc. Description: This edited book consists of 110 pages and a short list of references
and an index. It includes a chapter on social movements from a
sociological perspective by David Finkelhor, definition problems by John
Myers, the perspectives of two social agency administrators, the
perspective of victims of false charges by Lesley Wimberly (president of
California VOCAL), the debate over the Oude Pekela case in the
Netherlands, the backlash literature, and a list of recommendations by
John Myers. The book grew out of a backlash conference chaired by
John Myers at the University of the Pacific in November, 1992. Discussion: All misfired social movements will create a backlash. Add that some professionals have exceeded the limits of current knowledge and that some parents may lose their liberty or their children, and you have a recipe for revolt. Parents must be viewed as partners, not adversaries, as this book points out repeatedly, and we need to learn how to use "good" parents as advisors on committees. Parents may have to teach child protection workers and administrators about real family life and why it is important to support families. Perhaps the most valuable chapters are the one by Lesley Wimberly and the last chapter on recommendations by John Myers. But lacking in the book is a discussion of parent and adolescent rights, the foster care system, residential treatment center issues, reconciliation efforts, mediation, and the use of "recovered memories" to explain current problems. However, this is the first book I have read that has demonstrated a serious interest in the viewpoint and perspective of parents. Although some of Myers's recommendations many be impractical financially, they are worth careful attention. Perhaps the real flavor of the book, and its call to arms, can be gleaned from the statement on page 105: "Parents accused of child abuse or neglect are the consumers of CPS services ... Remember that many concerns raised about diagnostic techniques and civil liberty issues are necessary and legitimate correctives ... do not ... constitute backlash." After reading this short book, legislators, attorneys, case workers and community leaders could gain considerable insight into issues of family protection. This book is highly recommended. Reviewed by LeRoy G. Schultz, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, West Virginia University.
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