Abstract

The attachment theory has influenced in a relevant way the upbringing of infants and children in the family, in the social policy as well in the hospitals. However the translation of the attachment theory in the forensic context is more problematic because the categories of attachment in infancy and adulthood are not sufficient to evaluate the personality of parents as well the condition and the development of infants and children. For this reason it is important to consider the individual pathways of attachment not only by the behavioural aspects but also by the representational organizations. It is discussed the concept of the internal working models as a possible bridge toward the clinical context.