How can social workers enable vulnerable children to have a voice in the complex systems designed to protect them and promote their welfare? How can children be helped to make sense of complicated and disrupted lives? This core text addresses these and other challenging questions, setting out the principles and practice of social work with children and demonstrating the diversity of the work through carefully chosen case material. It will be essential reading for all social workers in training and practice involved with children.

LIZ TRINDER is Lecturer in Social Work Research at the University of East Angli, UK.

Introduction
PART 1: THE CONTEXT OF WORKING WITH CHILDREN
Child Care Policy, Children's Rights and the Children Act
Age and Understanding: The Developmental Framework
PART 2: WORKING WITH CHILDREN IN PRACTICE
The Voice of the Child in Practice
Working with Children in Need and in Need of Protection
Children who are the Subject of Care and Adoption Proceedings in the Courts
Children Looked after by the Local Authority
Children and Youth Justice
Conclusion.