The third edition of this unrivalled text provides an inexpensive and comprehensive explanation of the complex legal framework that surrounds child abuse, written for all professionals and agencies responsible for protecting children. This third edition has been completely revised to reflect the extensive changes to the law and now takes account of: - amendments to the Children Act 1989 - the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998 - the Protection of Children Act 1999 - the Care Standards Act 2000 - the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 - the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 - the several enquiries arising from failures in the child protection scheme - the establishment of CAFCASS