Judith Masson

The Issue of how assets are distributed after death is of increasing significance for larger numbers of people. In this original and path-breaking study, the authors examine the principle means through which people plan to dispose of their assets after death: by the use of wills. By offering an empirical study of 800 English wills, the book identifies significant patterns of bequeathing among a cross-section of the population, and not just among those sections of society who enjoy substantial wealth. This leads us to focus upon what wills tell us about the family and kin relationships, and upon how people transmit their assets across generations: to their families and to institutions and organizations.

The book is based on two research projects on emergency intervention, which were carried out by the author and her colleagues. The studies provide the basis for the three themes in the book: Inter-agency Working; Perceptions of Safety; and Placement and Resource Issues. The combination of quantitative and qualitative research allows a detailed picture of practice that goes beyond an account of what happens, to explore the perceptions, understandings and experiences of the practitioners who make these decisions, as social workers, police officers magistrates’ legal advisers or magistrates, and of the lawyers who advise social workers and parents. The book provides a critical account of current practice in emergency child protection, it identifies good practice and make proposals for reform.

The book is based on two research projects on emergency intervention, which were carried out by the author and her colleagues. The studies provide the basis for the three themes in the book: Inter-agency Working; Perceptions of Safety; and Placement and Resource Issues. The combination of quantitative and qualitative research allows a detailed picture of practice that goes beyond an account of what happens, to explore the perceptions, understandings and experiences of the practitioners who make these decisions, as social workers, police officers magistrates’ legal advisers or magistrates, and of the lawyers who advise social workers and parents. The book provides a critical account of current practice in emergency child protection, it identifies good practice and make proposals for reform.

The system of representation where children and young people areprovided with both a social work guardian ad litem and a specialistsolicitor is widely regarded as a model of excellence. However,until now, information about the system and its advantages hastended to neglect the views and experiences of the childrenconcerned. Based on a unique research study, Out of Hearinginvestigates the representation service from the child sperspective. Observations of representatives meetings with theirchild clients and separate interviews with the children and theirrepresentatives paint a disturbing picture of the isolation ofchildren at a time of immense stress and upheaval. Feedback fromchildren about what they considered helpful or unhelpful in theactions of their representatives; their views about reading, or notseeing, court reports about themselves; and their feelings aboutgoing to court, or being excluded from its proceedings, conveypowerful messages to the professionals and practitioners seeking tohelp them. Drawing on these experiences, the authors offerrecommendations for practice and policy to enable children s viewsto be heard more effectively. Providing fresh insight into therepresentation service, Out of Hearing is essential reading forsolicitors, guardians ad litem, social workers, judges,magistrates, policy makers, and academics. It will also be ofinterest to children s rights organisations, young people andcharities. "Whatever one may make of the conclusions of the report, what itundeniably does is paint a very graphic picture indeed of theimpact of the process of care proceedings upon children. For thisreason (if for no other) it should be read by all childcare lawpractitioners." Philip Thomson Head of Legal Services, Essex CountyCouncil "The views and aspirations of the children really do shine through;their concerns and their agendas are set out clearly andilluminated vividly." Anna Faulkner Formerly Panel Manager, Innerand North London GALRO Panel