The authors show it is possible to draw important lessons from inquiries into cases of fatal child abuse. They summarize 35 major inquiries since 1973, set them in their social context, and discuss implications of the inquiries for practical work in the field. The authors identify common themes in abusing families, relationships between members of professional networks, and interactions between families and professionals. Insights of the authors are intended to be of direct practical value to all professionals involved in child protection, including social workers, psychologists, child psychiatrists, and policymakers such as managers and politicians. Brief summaries of the 35 child abuse inquiries are appended. 160 references, 10 tables, and 50 figures