The new edition of this popular handbook gives an authoritative, informative and accessible account of key areas of child protection practice. Covering research, policy and practice it is relevant to all professionals working in child care. This practical and evidence-based text is divided into three sections for clarity: understanding, managing, and intervening and training issues in child protection.It has been revised to incorporate recent changes and developments in the field including new material on: institutional abuse; gender issues; policy guidance for assessment and working together; training for professionals in child protection; and, developments in legislation. No other book on child protection offers such comprehensive coverage of policy and practice. It provides research findings in all areas of child abuse, latest policies and indications of good practice, plus specialist chapters for different professionals. Chapters have been contributed by known experts in the field, both distinguished academics and practitioners. By combining the latest factual information with sophisticated analysis, it is the ideal course text for child protection programmes as well as meeting the needs of more experienced practitioners, academics and trainers.