Originally published in 1982, this book guides social workers towards treating difficult 15-year-olds and explores some of the difficulties which prevent the helping adult from making any effective contact with the person in trouble; not the least of which are society’s labels like ‘promiscuous’ or ‘delinquent’. The book gives voice to a number of young people through their own writing and their conversations with the author. Social workers too, have contributed to a startling book which highlights qualities without which social work is a waste of time: trustworthiness, respect and genuine concern.