The authors first consider the definition of "child abuse," which it divides into four categories: emotional, physical, sexual, and neglect. Chapters then show how child abuse is covered by a legal framework designed to control it. This includes a delineation of the courts' powers to protect children by court orders. Other chapters describe court procedure in child abuse cases, including the functions of the guardian ad litem and the child's legal representative; the powers, duties, and services of local authorities; and the rights of parents and the meaning of parental responsibility. Some chapters relate the functions of the various agencies to the legal framework and explain the liaison between them, followed by an explanation of the rules of evidence and how they apply in care proceedings. This new edition includes the administrative background to care proceedings, as it describes who is involved in identifying child abuse and the procedures to be performed prior to a decision about going to court. Chapter footnotes and a subject index