This reader provides a critical and comprehensive account of the theoretical and practical issues raised in working with children and families. It draws on debates from a range of disciplines to shed light on different perspectives, forms of practice and dimensions of policy. Its strong applied focus allows it to address a rich variety of issues of concern to professionals working with children in a range of settings. The contributing authors consist of leading academics in the field as well as those with first-hand knowledge and experience; all write in a clear and engaging style.

Taps into a significant new growth market in Childhood Studies as well as appealing to a range of students on more traditional degree programmes and professional courses Interdisciplinarity of content mirrors interdisciplinarity of market Copublication with the Open University should ensure excellent browser sales, who will see this as an agendasetting text Ideal fit with our marketleading lists in social work, social policy and sociology, and with our growing lists in health studies, nursing, psychology and counselling

List of ContributorsChildren in Society: Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice; P.Foley, J.Roche and S.TuckerSECTION 1: CONTEMPORARY CHILDHOODSThe Development of Child Health and Welfare Services in England (1900-1948); P.FoleyThe Changing Experiences of Childhood; M.RobbConstructing Childhood, Constructing Child Concern; W.Stainton RogersThe Demonization of Children: From the Symbolic to the Institutional; B.GoldsonRacism: An Important Factor in Practice with Ethnic Minority Children and Families; K.Owusu-BempahChildcare Policy; M.RobertsTowards a 'Children's Policy' for the European Union?; S.RuxtonSECTION 2: QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDRENQuality of Life for Children; J.RocheChildren's Welfare and Children's Rights; G.Lansdown'Our Bodies, Ourselves'? Mothers, Children and Health Care at Home; P.FoleyListening to Children; N.ThomasCommunity Development A Strategy for Empowerment; S.TuckerSECTION 3:CONCEPTUAL AND PRACTICE FRAMEWORKSWorking Towards Consensus: Children's Hearings in Scotland; A.GriffithsParental Responsibility; L-A.CullThe Impact of Domestic Violence on Children; C.HumphreysPrimary Education in Scotland; D.ChristieChildren, Sexual Abuse and the Child Protection System; L.GreenFoster Families; D.BerridgeExternal Influences on Workplace Competence: Improving Services to Children and Families; R.FlynnAn Ecological Perspective on Child Abuse; G.JackSECTION 4: WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIESChildren's Health at School; B.MayallTheories of Child Development; W.Stainton RogersWorking with Disabled Children; R.MarchantInvolving Children and Families in Decision-Making About Health; C.Thurston and J.ChurchMen Working in Childcare; M.RobbPerspectives on Parenting; D.BrownDeveloping Partnership Practice; J.PinkertonReferences.