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Full-Text Articles in Law
Foster Care Safety And The Kinship Cue Of Attitude Similarity, David J. Herring
Foster Care Safety And The Kinship Cue Of Attitude Similarity, David J. Herring
Articles
This article brings behavioral biology research on attitude similarity as a kinship cue to bear on the laws, policies, and practices surrounding the placement of children in foster care. The basic logic of the article relies on the nature and power of kinship cues. Individuals perceive others as kin through fallible, often unconscious mechanisms. Because these mechanisms are fallible, individuals may come to believe that unrelated persons are kin.
Once a cue gives rise to the perception of kinship, the individual who acquires this perception about another person is more likely to treat that other person favorably, providing important benefits …
Foster Care Placement: Reducing The Risk Of Sibling Incest, David J. Herring
Foster Care Placement: Reducing The Risk Of Sibling Incest, David J. Herring
Articles
The Westermarck theory maintains that incest avoidance arises from the physical proximity of siblings during a critical period of early childhood. This proximity gives rise to an inhibiting effect on post childhood sexual interest. Two recent studies of sibling relationships have verified and refined the Westermarck theory, indicating that the critical period extends through the first four years of childhood.
The theory and the studies have implications for child welfare laws, policies and practices surrounding the placement of siblings in foster care. Namely, the findings provide powerful reasons for placing siblings together during the critical period in order to minimize …
Child Placement Decisions: The Relevance Of Facial Resemblance And Biological Relationships, David J. Herring
Child Placement Decisions: The Relevance Of Facial Resemblance And Biological Relationships, David J. Herring
Articles
This article discusses two studies of evolution and human behavior addressing child-adult relationships and explores implications for policies and practices surrounding placement of children in foster homes. The first study indicates that men favor children whose facial features resemble their own facial features. This study may justify public child welfare decisionmakers in considering facial resemblance as they attempt to place children in safe foster homes.
The second study indicates that parents are likely to invest more in children who are biologically related to them, thus enhancing their long term well-being. Among other implications, this study may justify public child welfare …