This book has been invaluable for my foundation degree in learning support. There are so many new pieces of legislation and government policies to wade through this book just put it all into place and, yes, it made sense. Individual chapters on Early years, Children's Centres, Nursing, maternity care, playwork, social work and mental health makes it a real winner ... Read moreacross lots of different specialisms. I particularly liked the fact it doesn't look at new legislation through rose tinted specs - it's down to earth, forthright and recognises there are many issues to inter-professional collaboration . Five-Star Amazon Review ... this is an excellent guide and I would recommend it, not just to social work students and practitioners, but also to those working in any discipline with children and their families. Professional Social Work '... very much an example of a book doing just what it says on the label. It is a must-have for all those working with, planning for or studying the health and social care of children and their families. Charlotte Pearson in Community Care 2009 This book provides child practitioners in public, private and voluntary settings with a valuable text to guide their practice. It is an essential text for students studying for child and young people's care qualifications and undergraduate studies, while post-graduate students will find it an excellent reference resource. Brenda Roberts, Head, Department of Child Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University Richard Barker and his fellow contributors have produced an impressive and detailed analysis of the practice implications of Every Child Matters. I am delighted to recommend this book to all those working with children and young people. Michael Leadbetter, Chair, Children's Workforce Development Council Show Less