The Children Act 1989 is the most substantial reform of child law this century. This text provides a guide to the new provisions, explaining them and setting them within the context of changing child care practice. It also indicates how the public and private law interrelate. Judith Masson is an acknowledged expert in the field of child law who has run courses for the Law Society's Child Care Panel and taught child care law for COSW students and qualified social workers. She was closely involved in the consultations which led to the preparation of the legislation and shaped it in parliament.