While child welfare programs are a primary responsibility of state and local governments, the federal government appropriates close to 7 billion annually to support these programs and states are required to meet certain federal policies in order to receive this funding. This book offers an overview of child welfare programmes. Children and child welfare sit at the heart of new labour's plans for social inclusion. But how does the government view children. Is it reflecting public opinion or leading it? How does new labour perceive child welfare? What are the motivations behind and objectives of current social policy for children? Are the Rights of the child being subsumed under duties and responsibilities?

This book provides critical answers to these questions and from a child centered perspective.

Contents: Preface. 1. The child's right to protection. 2. Specific child protection issues. 3. Legislations. 4. Child and the Five Year Plans. 5. Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for the children of working mothers. 6. Family assessment in child welfare services. 7. Integrated child protection scheme. Index.