Published in 1999, the aim of this text is to offer a critical analysis of contemporary policy and practice in relation to children and crime. It provides an integrated edited text combining a critical commentary of contemporary social/criminal justice policy with analyses of progressive practice in the UK. It offers coverage of each discrete stage in the processing of "child offenders" in the criminal justice system. It develops an alternative policy and practice framework drawing on experience from the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.