This updated Nutshell follows the structure and format of the authors' popular casebook—Children and the Law: Doctrine, Policy, and Practice. The authors have devoted entire chapters to the meaning of "parent," civil and criminal abuse and neglect, the foster care system, adoption, medical decision-making, support and other financial responsibilities, the regulation of children's conduct, and delinquency. Representation of children is covered throughout the book. Also treated for comparative purposes are several relevant international law issues and frameworks, including the children's rights, international child labor, and tobacco regulation. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child protection, foster care and juvenile justice systems is integrated into this edition.