The Child Protection Handbook explains how to recognise abuse and protect at-risk children for those working with children and young people aged under 18, including in social care, education, health services, and sport and leisure settings.

The book has been fully updated to incorporate the impact of new technology as well as current legal and policy frameworks that govern statutory child protection intervention in the UK. It considers all aspects of child protection, including organisational issues, children’s rights, the needs of those from diverse backgrounds, and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on child protection work.

With accessible, up-to-date information presented in an easy-to-navigate format, the Handbook is ideal for all busy practitioners wanting to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.

• Fully updated since the last edition in 2007 – perfect for all those working with children and young people

• Easy to navigate and locate information – suitable as a reference book for busy practitioners

• Illustrative boxes in each chapter, drawing on practice case examples to highlight current issues and dilemmas

• All concepts explained in straightforward, jargon-free language

• Reflective points to encourage the reader to think about their own practice and apply new knowledge

• Key questions for students and teachers to check understanding and to explore concepts further

• Links to resources and further reading

• Supporting social workers in child protection practice

• Poverty and child protection

• New forms of child abuse, including technology assisted child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, gangs and criminal exploitation, radicalisation, forced marriage of children and young people, female genital mutilation, and faith-based abuse

• Focus on teenagers, including child protection in adolescence, leaving care, safeguarding and children in conflict with the law, children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour, and child to parent violence and abuse

• Safeguarding in sport and leisure

• Working with parents at risk of repeat removal of their children through care proceedings