In this introductory text, the author presents the law relating to child care and the reforms introduced by the Children Act 1989, assessing its impact on child care practice and procedures. Focusing on a practical interpretation of the law by the use of hypothetical examples, practice notes and recommendations, the book illustrates its relevance to those working in the caring and health professions, and incorporates details of various sets of Guidance and Regualtions issued by the Department of Health. In addition it provides an outline of adoption law, the principles of consent to treatment and the effect of surrogacy and "assisted reproduction" on the legal definition of parenthood.

This is published in association with the Nuffield Trust. There is a foreword By Sir Kenneth Calman Vice Chancellor, Durham University and former Chief Medical Officer. 'Excellent. [The book's] analytical and methodological approach is invaluable. It is a real privilege to listen to the stories of patients and their families, to hear details of personal events, comedies and tragedies, and to use the skills of listening and interpreting to make sense of the story. I have written elsewhere that the history of medicine is simply the re-classification of disease. Here are some new ways of classifying the issues with which we are faced in an effort to assist in the process of healing.' - Sir Kenneth Calman, in the Foreword.