This text examines the law of parent and child in depth, including ante-natal issues, constitution of the parent-child relationship, parental responsibilities and rights, custody, access, education, aliment, guardianship and legal capacity of children, local authority care, assumption of parental rights, compulsory measures of care, fostering and temporary care and adoption. Particular attention has been given to questions raised by modern developments, but the extensive recent statutory changes in the law are considered against their common law background and statutory history. The earlier law is examined and discussed where it is important for the understanding of the modern law or has continuing application.