This collection of readings looking at policy issues, provision of services and practice in child care, is an integrated component of the Open University's multi-media course, Working With Children and Young People (K254). The core of the course consists of a series of workbooks which consider key issues in ordinary human development and major problem areas affecting children and young people which their care workers are called in to deal with. In addition, the course includes 3 hours of video and 6 hours of audio material designed to stimulate thinking about practice issues, as well as a workbook containing practical guidance on those areas of the law which carers need to know and understand. The approach adopted throughout the course is non-racist and non-sexist, and challenges social class bias.