This book investigates the systemic pressures and neoliberal influences that have fundamentally reshaped the practice of social work with children and families in contemporary society. Paul Michael Garrett, a professor of social work, draws upon critical social theory and extensive policy analysis to examine how managerialism and bureaucratic control have altered the professional landscape. He argues that current practices often prioritize administrative compliance over the genuine needs of vulnerable populations, calling for a radical re-evaluation of the profession's core values and operational frameworks.

Experts in the field of social policy frequently cite this work as a rigorous critique of modern welfare state practices. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for scholars and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the structural challenges facing the social work profession today.