ABSTRACT
In this chapter we aim to identify and analyse existing research literature relevant to the themes of the study. It is clear that a number of academic disciplines have an interest in this area of work, and we have attempted to cover the different approaches that they adopt. We have considered material which originates from a range of sources, academic research literature is of course an important category, but the social problem is perceived as both pressing enough and of sufficient interest to result in publications from both government, and statutory and voluntary agencies.
