This book provides a detailed analysis of the issues and challenges in child protection theory and practice. The book is based on the author's research conducted in the United Kingdom and Australia and stems from an awareness of the need to improve cooperation between the main agencies involved in child welfare today. Governments around the world are radically reviewing child welfare policy. In the midst of these new initiatives, the onus is on managers and practitioners to understand the context of change in order to do their work effectively. This book discusses: • Social and cultural definitions of child maltreatment and child sexual abuse.