This book examines the contribution of the NHS to the multi-agency and inter-professional child protection process. It examines the roles played by health professionals within child protection and investigates the nature and operation of the central policy community and local provider networks.

Contents: Introduction; Models and metaphors: the theoretical framework; Policy communities and provider networks in child protection; Knowledge and networks; Accountability, agencies and professions; Power and politics in the NHS; Reluctant partners: the experience of health and social care collaboration; A system within a system: the role of the Area Child Protection Committee; Agents of change? The role of the designated and named health professionals; Sleeping partners: GPs and child protection; Health visitors and child protection; 'Healthy' networks? NHS professionals in the child protection front line; Conclusion.

"... the authors of this slim volume manage to convey an impression of the current state of child protection in the UK that few committed professionals will wish to ignore." British Journal of Social Work "We should not ignore the findings of this text." Health Matters "... designed to make health service managers sit up and listen ... will help all to identify the areas in which progress is vital if tragedies like Victoria Climbie's are to be foreseen and prevented." British Journal of Social Work "... a timely publication that will be of interest to both child protection practitioners and policy-makers alike ... this well-researched and meticulously referenced book will also be of interest to social policy students." Health Service Journal "This is an astonishingly wide-ranging and perceptive book. At its heart lies a sensitive and critical exploration of the flaws in the relationship between health and social care policy makers and practitioners. The message for those aiming to break down barriers in the public sector may not be welcome, but they would be foolish to ignore it." Martin Davies, Professor of Social Work, University of East Anglia, Norwich