A great many changes are taking place in relation to social work with children and families in Britain. This accessible text charts some of the key developments that have taken place and subjects them to critical examination. Topics include: the new institutional framework for social work; the new "tools" of social work practice, in particular the LAC system; the framework for the assessment of children in need; the police/social work and health/social work partnerships; approaches to race and ethnicity; the implications of New Labour's adoption review and the new role of "personal advisor".Amidst a flurry of government initiatives, this book provides readers with an opportunity to take a step back and form a reflective overview of how work with children and families is being remade.