This text examines current policy responses to s0cial exclusion. It begins by asking the questions: what do we mean by social exclusion? what are the dimensions of social exclusion? how is it measured? and what are the common threads that run though contemporary policy? Each contribution addresses a different area of policy, describing the context for the intervention, examining key themes and issues and assessing the likely effectiveness of policies. The final chapter asks the question: how should we assess the impact of policy to address social exclusion? and then provides a possible framework for evaluation. This work is recommended reading for advanced undergraduates and post-graduates on social policy, social administration and public policy courses. It should be also of interest to a wide range of policy makers and practitioners in local government, central government and voluntary agencies, involved in developing and implementing policy responses to social exclusion.