This book provides a child-centered perspective on the inter-generational cycle of poverty and dysfunction in urban ghettos by combining a wealth of information with sophisticated normative analysis. 'This is a brilliant, bold, original, deeply interesting, and extraordinarily important book. Dwyer challenges the dominant liberal position for failing black children,which helps perpetuate the intergenerational cycle of poverty and dysfunction plaguing so many black families.' - Elizabeth Bartholet, Professor of Law and Faculty Director of Child Advocacy Program, Harvard Law School 'James Dwyer's book offers inconvenient truths with cogent and controversial proposals for reforming the child protective service system in the United States. Those concerned with the safety and wellbeing of children as well those who desire to support birth families have long ignored the facts Dwyer presents. Liberals and conservatives alike should carefully consider Dwyer's observations and proposals.' - Richard J. Gelles, Ph.D., Joanne and Raymond Welsh Chair of Child Welfare and Family Violence, University of Pennsylvania