Originally published in 1973, The Receiving End looks at the British welfare services for deprived children. The book is comprised of essays from individuals that have been on the receiving end of the social help agencies, such as adoption societies, fostering agencies and children's homes. Each contributor provides a unique viewpoint of their own experiences, the experiences include chapters from those with experience of adopting a child, those that have been in the care of the local authority, and a first-hand account of a teenager in a psychiatric clinic. The book provides a valuable insight social work from the viewpoint of those receiving it. The book is still very much relevant today, and will be of interest to those working in the field of social work, or those studying social work.