Originally published in 1971, this title explores childcare in the period between the Children Act of 1948 and the Seebohm Report of 1968. During this time Children's Departments and social work expanded beyond all expectations. In the developments of these two decades the author studies the history of the Child Care Service and a key example of the processes of social policy. The contents are a chronicle of events that shaped developments in the service in England and Wales during that time. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.