Perhaps as many as 50 in every 100 mentally ill patients are parents living with their children. It is well established that mental illness in a parent seriously and often adversely affects their children's development, though strangely this is not adequately reflected in clinical service provision. It is hoped that, through the experiences and studies described, this volume will provide an impetus to redress this deficit. This innovative book covers hitherto uncharted territory. By drawing together clinical experience from a wide range of centres, it effectively addresses the needs of mentally ill parents and their children; helping to bridge the current gap between adult and children's services and foster a family oriented perspective. The wide range of editorial experience from both social work and psychiatry at research and clinical levels are vital attributes in providing depth and breadth to this multidisciplinary volume. Enlivened by case vignettes, the coverage ranges from medical and general psychological and psychiatric issues through to intervention strategies and clinical service provision. It will be sure to interest all professionals dealing with adult mental illness and child care issues.