ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines procedures relevant to children and families involved with children's services because of child abuse or neglect. It also outlines Early Intervention initiatives which are universal or targeted services for children, usually in early years. Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 imposes a general duty on Children's Social Care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are 'in need' and to promote the upbringing of children in need by their families by providing a range and level of services to meet those children's needs. Children in the UK taken into the care of the local authority tend to go first to fostering, which can be short or long term, or kinship care, then may proceed to adoption. Policy initiatives for children in care have provided greater recognition of need levels in children and young people in the system and greater awareness of skills and training needed by foster carers or care providers and social workers.
