An A-Z covering every topic relating to the law of child care including both public and private law which are brought together in the Children Act 1989. Statutory references contained in the 1989 Act and other relevant legislation are set out, together with an explanation of their meaning. Topics covered include: care and supervision orders, community homes, contact, court structure, emergency protection of children, orders, family proceedings, fostering, guardians ad litem, legal aid, parental responsibility, adoption, race, religion, culture, respite care, secure accommodation, self incrimination, schools, support for families and children, child abuse, and wardship.