The vulnerability of children becomes tragically apparent when they are neglected and abused by those persons most intimately responsible for their well-being. When parents are judged incapable of adequately providing for the critical needs of a child, the responsibility for determining "the best interest" of the child falls to the community legal system.

In some instances - even before birth - legal principles, statutes, and case law are shaping the decisions that will profoundly affect the lives of these young children. With compassion and practicality, Children and Adolescents in Need looks at the complex issues surrounding these decisions and discusses the challenges faced by people involved in providing the resources these special children need to anticipate a future with hope and confidence.

1. The poignant clarity of Children and Adolescents in Need makes it an excellent sourcebook for mental health practitioners, volunteer child advocates, and students in clinical training. Case studies explore the effort required to coordinate multidisciplinary services to achieve long-term positive impact on the child's life.