[Uncooperative families in child protection services]

This article addresses the clinical challenges family therapists face in child protection services. These challenges arise in various ways. The first challenge is the legal context that confers a coercive and intrusive character unfavourable to commitment in the therapeutic process; the second challenge consists in succeeding in reconciling the therapeutic alliance with the legal mandate of control and surveillance. The third is taking into account the priority economic needs of families. The author presents a clinical situation that illustrates the dilemma and impasses these challenges pose. In conclusion, approaches favoured by family therapists specialized in child protection are defined.