Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon, a developmental psychologist and mother of a young son, demonstrates the way in which a young child's developing personality and intelligence is revealed in their non-verbal communication. She shows how parents and other adults have the potential to facilitate a child's social and intellectual growth through acknowledging and responding to this unspoken language.

Child Welfare Policy and Practice - Issues and Lessons Emerging from Current Research explores the implications of recent research for all those concerned with child welfare and social work. It addresses the present concerns as expressed by Government bodies and central Government enquiries regarding the services and policies relating to children in need of care and attention. The book deals with social care issues that are common within the UK as well as covering specific aspects of Scottish and Irish child welfare. The current areas of concern covered by the contributors include: the development of children's service plans operationalisation of recent child care legislation management of the transition of young people with disabilities from childhood to adulthood use of live video links with child witnesses. The book also discusses the results of a long term, follow-up study of twenty years duration of failure-to-thrive children. In conclusion the book puts forward recommendations for influencing future policy and practice in child care. It is essential reading for social work students, social work policy-makers, day care and social workers, teachers, doctors, lawyers and psychologists.