Book excerpt: This textbook provides a comprehensive view of the field of child welfare, including the services offered and their rationale for the best interests of the child. It takes a practice perspective important for future professionals. Upon completing this book, readers will be able to consider the full range of services available for children and families, see how services can be viewed from the perspective of supplementing family life, supporting family life, or substituting for family life understand how students might be impacted by the various services, and imagine how they might use their own personal talents as future child welfare workers.