This book is essential to the debate on social workers having more direct contact with children.

The overriding theme in this wide range of essays is that social workers must continue to train throughout their career, particularly when using therapeutic interventions.

The book is divided into five sections but some of the essays do not quite fit into the sections within which they appear. The Every Child Matters agenda in England identifies five clear outcomes for children, which may have provided an alternative ordering for the book. However, the outcomes are reflected well in the content, although interestingly they are not mentioned at any point.

The main strength lies in the diversity of subjects covered. Each essay is informative and covers the subject sufficiently to give a flavour of its importance and contribution. The signposts towards further study are particularly useful. The section on using interactive media in direct practice, a new area for social workers, is brief but gives an extensive resource list. The only disappointment was in the final section - supporting the practitioner. Given the importance of ensuring practitioners are supported by their supervisors and employers in direct work, one would expect a contribution on supervision, support and training.

Many practitioners and students will enjoy dipping in and out of this book. It highlights the important role the social worker plays in direct work with children, which was strongly reinforced by the General Social Care Council-led paper on the roles and tasks of social work.