Comprehensive in its coverage, the text examines the core areas of childcare practice, considering the various strengths and weaknesses of both policy and practice. With an emphasis on reflective practice, this text is insightful reading for all those studying childcare from advanced undergraduate level upwards.

'I would recommend this book to students both on undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Health, Education or Social Work and to practitioners and managers in Children's Services. The strengths of the book are that it is accessible but it offers an excellent starting point for anyone researching any area relating to children and families in the community.'  - The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Education

Introduction
Context of Social Work with Children
Constructions of Childhood and Youth
Child Protection: A Social Constructionist Perspective
Safeguarding Children Living Away from Home
The Looked After Children's System
Placements for "Looked After" Children
Children in Need: Making "Prevention" Count
Working with Young People in the "Authoritarian State"
Adolescent Mental Health: a Social Construction?
Conclusion: Childcare Futures

TONY SAYER is now an independent lecturer and social care consultant. Recently, he was a Lecturer in Social Work at Bournemouth University, UK and he is now an Open University Tutor.