Unfortunately, wars and terrorism continue to rage. The countless children who survive such violence require our assistance for psychosocial recovery. The purpose of this book is to show how community-based psychosocial approaches promote the psychosocial well being of children following war and terrorism. These approaches can benefit from a thoughtful synthesis of both experiential and empirical strategies. The range of topics covered is theoretical perspectives, practical issues and scientific questions concerning psychosocial interventions for children. The major focus in this book is on community-based interventions that link individual mental health/psychosocial well being with the health and stability of the community. There is much discussion about the best conceptual models within which to characterize the most effective community-based interventions and about whether it was possible to identify general principles for intervention that would be acceptable to all. In addition, three major domains of concern are identified as areas requiring further thought and development: implementation, program evaluation and research, and education and influence.
The chapters in this book reflect the richness of the varying perspectives proposed on these issues.