Originally published in 1980, this was the first book to provide a wide-ranging discussion of social work with adolescents, and is composed of linked original papers by the Social Work Group and their associates at the University of Bath.

The contributors discuss adolescent development and the experience of adolescents and focus on what social workers might actually do with and for these young people. Following a general discussion of social work method, using the framework provided by systems theory, there is exploration of counselling with the adolescent and his family, group work and neighbourhood work with adolescents, and the residential care of adolescents. In addition, the book examines issues of interprofessional co-operation between the services provided for adolescents, and discusses some of the personal issues which confront the social worker who works with young people.