Book excerpt: Protecting children from emotional abuse and neglect is a serious and complex area of social work practice. This book takes readers step-by-step through the underlining theory, skills and practice of working with vulnerable children, highlighting essential contemporary research evidence throughout. Part 1: Understanding introduces the nature and consequences of child neglect and emotional abuse, including up-to-date knowledge about the physiological impact of childhood malnutrition and emotional deprivation. Part 2: Assessment considers in detail the factors which can contribute to the complexity of the assessment process and explains assessment procedures. Part 3: Response offers insights into positive interventions, including some innovative modern therapies and family management approaches such as ′PACT′. Using a series of case studies to make complex skills and knowledge accessible, this is essential reading for students and professionals across disciplines that may come into contact with vulnerable children.