Diversity in Family Constellations

The idea of family is not easily defined and is in a constant state of change. In order to create a more manageable environment for human service practitioners, Diversity in Family Constellations presents family groups and arrangements as multidimensional, nonstatic, living entities that are in a constant process of being and becoming.This book introduces a series of guidelines, conventional and unconventional, that human service practitioners can use to explore the complexities of family dynamics regarding assessment and intervention. The authors provide readers with opportunities to apply these guidelines within the context of diverse family constellations, including the nuclear family, the single-parent family, the multigenerational family, foster or institutional families, lesbian and gay families, and blendedfamilies.

I very much liked the presentation and exploration of the multiple premises for envisioning and understanding families in US society." -Karen Jick, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

Krishna L. Guadalupe (MSW, Rutgers University; PhD, University of South Carolina; certificates/licenses in diverse traditional and nontraditional wellness modalities) is a professor of social work at California State University, Sacramento. He has more than twenty years of direct experience in the field of human services and continues to practice independently, integrating a variety of wellness approaches with individuals, groups, and families. Guadalupe travelsnationally and internationally conducting seminars and workshops in the area of human diversity and wellness, family practice, conflict management, group dynamics, and grief and loss. He also works as a consultant, conducting program assessment and writing grants for diverse human services organizationsDebra L. Welkley (MA, Baylor University) has taught for twenty years in community colleges and four-year colleges and universities and currently is a lecturer at California State University, Sacramento, in the Department of Sociology. She also teaches courses at Cosumnes River College and American River College. She has more than twenty years of experience working with children and families through direct service and practice, as well as experience as a program and agencydirector.