This book explores the growing interest in the way in which the state polices, and ought to police, families failing in their responsibilities. Reflects on the increasing social science research and growing legal system involvement in the 'problem' of failing families particularly where children are involved Considers topics ranging from the state's attempts to promote responsible parenting by training parents and by punishing them and their children for their children's antisocial behaviour through to its enthusiasm for creating frameworks for better substituted parenting (through fostering and adoption) Evaluates problems from the perspective of both empirical evidence and the practical and ideological ambitions that government policy is attempting to pursue Brings together commentators from a variety of disciplines who all offer a fresh critique on these matters

Craig Lind has law degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and the London School of Economics. He has taught at the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and is now a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sussex, Brighton. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Family Law and Public Law. His major research interests lie in the areas of Family Law, Gender and Sexuality with a strong international and cultural focus.

Heather Keating has law degrees from the University of the Leicester and the University of London. She has taught at Kingston University and is now a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sussex, Brighton. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Family Law and Criminal Law. Her major research interests lie in the areas of Family Law and Criminal law and focus on children.