This study of children's participation in decisions about their care draws on recent work in sociology and anthropology, psychology and legal philosophy in order to understand this challenging area of social life. It also reports on original and groundbreaking research into children's views of decision-making processes. The book has important theoretical implications and important lessons for social welfare policy and practice. It will be of interest to those involved in childhood studies or in qualitative research methods, as well as in social welfare provision.

NIGEL THOMAS is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Wales, Swansea. He was a social work practitioner and manager for more than twenty years in Derbyshire and Oxfordshire. His recent publications include Area Child Protection Committees (with Robert Sanders) and On the Move Again: What Works in Creating Stability for Looked After Children (with Sonia Jackson).