I. Basics in theory and practice : The single-parent family: myth and reality ; The theoretical perspective: a systems approach ; From intake to initial interview ; The initial interview as a microcosm of therapy -- II. Case studies : In search of a missing parent ; An unfinished marriage ; An unfinished divorce ; Death in the family ; Breaking with the past to make a new life ; Letting go of a daughter to face the future ; A change of custody -- III. The single-parent family at the interface with society : The single-parent family and the school ; Viewing the multiproblem family in its broader context ; The single-parent family and public policy.