Focusing on good working practice in all aspects of conducting enquiries into alleged child abuse, this book takes a positive approach to improving relationships between the workers and the families involved. Each chapter concentrates on a specific issue, including topics such as gatekeeping, planning an enquiry, interviewing children, medical examinations, and recorded agreements. Practice research, and procedures are examined critically, from a perspective which emphasizes the importance of partnership with children and families.

Fully updated edition of THE bestselling book on assessing children in need and their families. Comprehensive and multidisciplinary, it covers all aspects of assessment from early help through to child protection. Explores implications of recent legislation and the very latest issues for practice.