A fresh approach to the study of Latino families is offered in this volume which focuses on the strengths of Latino//Hispanic groups, the structural processes that impede their progress and the cultural and familial processes that enhance their intergenerational adaptation and resilience. The contributors present social and demographic profiles of Latino groups in the United States, empirical and conceptual reviews of Latino family approaches, and practice and policy implications from studies of Latino social programmes.

Offering an integrated, culturally sensitive focus, Understanding Latino Families presents a dynamic new approach to the study of Latino families. This new approach centers on the strengths of Latino/Hispanic groups, the structural processes that impede their progress, and the cultural and familial processes that enhance their intergenerational adaptation and resiliency. A leading group of scholars clearly presents social and demographic profiles of Latino groups in the United States, empirical and conceptual reviews of Latino family approaches, and practice and policy implications from studies of Latino social programs. Included for discussion are such salient topics as the economic well-being of Latino families, prospects for Latino children and adolescents, the adjustment of Central American refugee families, and Latino child and family health concerns. Researchers, scholars, and students in the fields of ethnic studies, family studies, sociology, social work, and psychology will find Understanding Latino Families an invaluable resource. "Understanding Latino Families is a timely edition of the Understanding Families series distributed by Sage Publications. In a political climate of economic discord and social change, this book highlights the ways many Latino families struggle to succeed in the face of factors related to immigration, labor for transformations, cultural incongruence with dominant society, cross-force transformations, cultural incongruence with the dominant society, cross-generational acculturation patterns, and racism. . . . Adding veracity to the social policy debate, Understanding Latino Families presents social and demographic profiles of Latino groups in the United States, empirical and conceptual reviews of Latino family approaches, and practice and policy implications from studies of Latino social problems." --Cultural Diversity and Mental Health "Understanding Latino Families presents an excellent new approach to the study of Latino family structures: one which considers ethnic group strengths, family actions, and the processes that enhance resiliency. This makes for quite a scholarly, probing study." --The Midwest Book Review "College-level students of social service will appreciate having a new approach that considers the collective group strengths of Hispanics and the processes that enhance their adaptation process. Scholars present reviews of Latino family groups in this country and discuss their social and economic patters." --The Bookwatch "For researchers and students in the fields of ethnic studies, family studies, sociology, and social work, this book offers a culturally sensitive approach to the study of Latino families. Featured are social and demographic profiles of Latino groups, empirical reviews of Latino families, approaches, and practice and policy implications from studies of Latino social programs. Other topics include the prospects for Latino children and adolescents, child and family health concerns, and the adjustment of Central American refugee families." --Journal of Social Work Education "Understanding Latino Families is an important contribution and a badly needed addition to the field of family studies. This book provides a wealth of information about the contemporary status of Latino families. It will immediately become a basic source for introducing readers to this topic and will inform both specialists and students of various levels of sophistication. This book is especially strong in giving the reader an appreciation for the great diversity that exists in the racial and ethnic composition that characterizes the membership of Latino families. Of the existing work on this topic, this edited book is the best collection . . . in the social sciences. I am convinced that academics and professionals in the fields of child development, sociology, and social work can benefit greatly by reading this book. This collection will also be a valuable tool for graduate students in all these fields. Selected chapters that are less theoretically based might also be beneficial for undergraduates who are taking university courses on ethnic diversity." --Gary W. Peterson, Arizona State University, Tempe

The classic and critically acclaimed book Family Therapy with Ethnic Minorities, Second Edition has now been updated and revised to reflect the various demographic changes that have occurred in the lives of ethnic minority families and the implications of these changes for clinical practice. Family Therapy with Ethnic Minorities provides advanced students and practitioners with the most up-to-date examination yet of the theory, models, and techniques relevant to ethnic minority family functioning and therapy. After an introductory discussion of principles to be considered in practice with ethnic minorities, the authors apply these principles to working with specific ethnic minority groups, namely African Americans, Latinos, Asian/Pacific Americans, and First Nations People. Distinctive cultural values of each ethnic group are explored as well as specific guidelines and suggestions on culturally significant family therapy strategies and skills. Key Features: The revised text reflects advances in family therapy scholarship since the first edition thus ensuring for readers an up-to-date treatment of the topic Accents and extends current critical constructionist theories and techniques and applies them within a culturally specific perspective Pays special attention to the issues of 'historical trauma' (referred to as 'soul wound'), especially in work with First Nations Peoples and African American families /span

Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a population that varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status, and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources to describe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography, geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, and political engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call "Hispanic." The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of how Hispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect the United States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertainties include such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improve their educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economic position; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizens and achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office; whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whether Hispanics' geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. The papers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues.

Resilience is a topic that is currently receiving increased attention. In general, resilience refers to the capacity of those who, even under the most stressful circumstances, are able to cope, to rebound, and to go on and thrive. Resilient families are able to regain their balance following crises that arise as a function of either nature or nurture, and to continue to encourage and support their members as they deal with the necessary requirements for accommodation, adaptation and, ultimately, healthy survival. Handbook of Family Resilience provides a broad body of knowledge regarding the traits and patterns found to characterize resilient individuals and well-functioning families, including those with diverse structures, various ethnic backgrounds and a variety of non-traditional forms. This Handbook brings together a variety of perspectives aimed at understanding and helping to facilitate resilience in families relative to a full range of challenges.

Latinos are now the largest ethnic minority population in the United States and still they encounter a great deal of misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination. Utilizing a strengths-based perspective, Social Work Practice with Latinos addresses the unique needs of this diverse population. Written by practitioners and scholars from many disciplines, this book discusses social issues of consequence to Latinos and specific strengths and risk factors of the Latino community. They then offer methods that utilize these strengths to ensure a culturally-competent approach to practice with Latino populations. Each chapter is accompanied by key questions for personal and group reflection to facilitate discussion and understanding of these vital themes. The editors have nearly three decades of combined experience working with Latino populations inside and outside the United States. Drawing on this experience, they integrate these varied perspectives to prepare students and practitioners for practice with this richly diverse community.