There is no shortage of guidelines for social workers on how to approach their work in cases where children are `at risk' and in need of protection. This book seeks to supplement this guidance by illustrating how social workers approach their work, the responses they receive, the children's and parents' experiences and reactions, and the stresses involved for all parties. It illustrates the skills needed in direct work with young children and in assessing the nature, outcomes and unmet needs within abusive situations. By presenting a wide range of brief case-studies, it invites discussion about why social work practice sometimes succeeds, sometimes fails, and about the training, support and supervision which social workers need in ensuring that their work is relevant to the needs of children and parents alike.

Based on the work of students in the Advanced Social Work Course at Goldsmith's College, University of London.