The importance of partnerships between professionals and the parents of children with special needs/disability is well established in childcare legislation. But is it reflected in practice? Written for practitioners and those in training, this book recognises that forming partnerships can be a fraught process involving dissent as well as cooperation. Naomi Dale draws on case histories from her own experience to examine key partnership issues such as consent, confidentiality and diagnosis delivery. She combines up-to-date theory and research with practice to provide a wealth of suggestions and ideas for effective family work. features useful exercises with each chapter, making it an excellent resource book and practice manual for multidisciplinary professionals.