The Reform of Child Care Law: A Practical Guide to the Children Act 1989

Children Act 1989 introduced the most radical changes to child care law for a generation. Eekelaar and Dingwall provide a concise, practical guide to the legislation for all professionals practising in this area.

1. The historical background 2. A new framework for private law: parental responsibility and children's rights 3. A new framework for public law: local authorities and the courts 4. The organizational context of child protection practice 5. The powers and duties of local authorities: family support and preventive action 6. The acquisition of compulsory powers: first steps 7. Grounds for bringing care or supervision proceedings 8. Preparing a case 9. Presenting a case 10. The outcome of care proceedings _