Children and Families in Israel: Some Mental Health Perspectives

Originally published in 1970, this title was intended to describe a wide and complex network of historical, social, psychological and medical issues. It starts with an overview of Israel as a society and how it is similar yet differs from that the reader may be familiar with. Divided into three parts, the first looks at the basic fabric and main patterns of social and psychological issues in Israel and provides the background for specific mental health problems. The second part deals with selected groups of population, or problem areas which are of special interest from the viewpoint of mental health issues, and that receive special attention by the society itself. This includes the child outside his family, the immigrant child absorbed by the program of Youth Aliyah, socially deprived or vulnerable children, those with disabilities, and delinquency. The final part deals with ways and means of providing service and care for those who eventually need attention. This includes descriptions of the mental health professions, the available psychiatric services, the role of voluntary agencies in providing care, and finally a discussion of issues in planning and research. Today it can be read in its historical context.