Michelle Lefevre is Professor of Social Work at the University of Sussex and has extensive experience of research and practice as a social worker and arts psychotherapist with children and young people.

• Setting the scene; The importance of effective communication between children and young people; Children and young people's views on what counts as effective engagement and communication with them; Some theoretical perspectives on the nature of communication;Knowing, Being and Doing: developing capability in direct work; Appraising your capabilities and learning needs; A facilitating context for practice with children and young people; Involving and engaging children and young people in assessments; Observing children and making sense of their play and behaviour; Engaging with children and young people through play, activities and the expressive arts; Relational communication as the heart of social work.

"Written in an accessible and engaging style, this updated text addresses a variety of topical communication contexts which are relevant for practitioners at any stage of their career." Dr Fran Wiles, The Open University "Well-written and informative, Lefevre's fully revised and welcome 2nd edition is an indispensable resource for all who routinely engage and communicate with children and young people." Dr Tony Sparkes, University of Bradford