Understanding Children's Social Care is the first book to provide a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of children's social care in England following the introduction of Every Child Matters and the 2007 Children's Plan. The book examines the key issues surrounding child care policy and legislation, and the implications these have for practice. Authors Nick Frost and Nigel Parton draw upon sociological theory and debate to help the reader understand the future direction of policy and practice, presenting seemingly complex theoretical ideas in an accessible and coherent manner.