Child Abuse Review provides a forum for all professionals working in the field of child protection, giving them access to the latest research findings, practice developments, training initiatives and policy issues. The Journal's remit includes all forms of maltreatment, whether they occur inside or outside the family environment. Papers are written in a style appropriate for a multidisciplinary audience and those from outside Britain are welcomed.

The Journal maintains a practice orientated focus and authors of research papers are encouraged to examine and discuss implications for practitioners. By always emphasising research/practice links, it is the Editors' aim to promote practice relevant research and to facilitate the use of research findings, to enhance good practice and influence policy.

The Editorial Board, in all its activities, seeks to prevent discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, racial origin, culture, religious belief, language, disability, economic status or political views. The Journal has a policy of encouraging inclusive practice and for this reason authors are asked to consider the applicability of their work to all groups.

Each issue includes a mix of refereed research and practice papers, training updates, case studies, brief communications, book reviews and a calendar of future events. Correspondence from readers is much welcomed, and it is hoped that these letters (edited where appropriate) will form a lively feature within the journal.

The views expressed in the papers in this volume are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of BASPCAN, the Editorial Board or the organisations to which the authors are affiliated.

Child Abuse Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd is the official journal for the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect whose members receive the journal as a membership entitlement. For membership details contact BASPCAN, 17 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET. Tel: +44 (0) 1904 613605. Fax: +44 (0) 1904 642239

CHILD ABUSE REVIEW Editorial Office:
Julia Walsh, Editorial Manager, Southwark PCT, 6th Floor, Mabel Goldwin House, 49 Grange Walk, London SE1 3DY.
Tel: +44 (0) 207 525 0012
Fax: +44 (0) 207 525 0440
e-mail: julia.walsh@southwarkpct.nhs.uk