How Bonding Develops
Bonding is a continuum, a progression from distance to intimacy.
Attachment and Bonding
What Bonding Is Not
Bonding is not everything. Bonding may be more clearly understood by differentiating it from what it is not.
Bonding Defined
In order to have meaning in court, the definition of bonding needs to be clear, specific, and objective.
A History of Bonding Definitions
Human bonding refers to the development of a close interpersonal relationship between family members or friends.
Attachment
The word attachment can have several meanings. Even in professional discussion, it is often loosely substituted for bonding, relationships, or affection.
Definitions of Terms
Why is it so important to define bonding in specific and objective terms? Two important reasons stand out.
What Everyone Needs to Know about Bonding
Bonding is a significant reciprocal attachment which both parties want and expect to continue and which is interrupted or terminated at increased peril to the parties involved.
What Is Bonding and Why Does It Matter?
James Kenny, MSW, PhD and Peter Kenny, JD
ABSTRACT
Bonding is a significant attachment which can be defined in a clear and objective manner. According to extensive research, interrupting such relationships correlates with a statistically significant increase in mental illness, crime and homelessness. Federal law states than the child’s right to permanence within a reasonable time is paramount. When placing or moving children, bonded relationships must be recognized as equal to or more important than kinship.
Bonding in the Child Placement Process
A Psychological and Legal Perspective
Published in the December 2015 issue of Policy and Practice The term “bonding” is frequently used but rarely defined. Nationwide, more than 397,000 children live in foster care.(1) When a court decides where to place a child whose primary residence has been shattered, certain guidelines must be followed. However, the lines between blood and bond are not so clearly drawn when a foster parent files to adopt the child for whom they have provided long-term care, and a previously unknown blood relative emerges to challenge the placement. Whatever guidelines are used, the court must still understand the child’s best interests. How does the court weigh the genetic relationship against the parent-in-place? When properly defined and understood, bonding merits serious consideration. In short, bonding matters. The unnecessary disruption of existing bonds can have devastating consequences.A Definition of Bonding
For courts and welfare departments to give bonding the attention it deserves, the concept must first be objectively defined and carefully explained. After an extensive review of the literature, we offer this definition: