Dislocation, separation and loss may scar a child for life and it is in recognition of this fact that the concept of permanency planning has developed. Planning for permancy means answering every child's psychological need for security; thus the provision of secure family placements for children, with either foster, adoptive or natural parents, is a primary concern for social workers. This concise introduction to direct work with children brings together the ideas of theorists, both British and Amarican, and the experience of practitioners, illustrated by examples from advanced social workers and students.