DAVID HOWE teaches and carries out research in the School of Social Work and Psychosocial Studies at The University of East Anglia, Norwich, where he is Professor of Social Work. He has longstanding practice and research interests in the fields of child maltreatment, family support and adoption. MARIAN BRANDON is Lecturer in Social Work and Director of Post Qualifying Studies at The University of East Anglia, Norwich. She worked as a social worker prior to taking up her university post. DIANA HININGS is Lecturer in Social Work at The University of East Anglia, Norwich. She has previously worked in children's services in both the UK and USA. GILLIAN SCHOFIELD is Lecturer in Psychosocial Studies at The University of East Anglia, Norwich. She is also Deputy Director of the Centre for Research on the Child and Family.