"Social policy past and present, is about people and welfare, about social needs and how to deal with them. This book argues that rather than judging past practice by present ideals, we need to take account of time and context, to move beyond simple judgement, to understanding." "The writers of these essays share an awareness of the links and tensions between past and present. Some have been policy-makers, others have contributed to social services as paid workers and volunteers. Some have benefited from those services. As historians they illustrate the complex dynamics behind past policy decisions and their longer-term implementation, providing a context for the present."--BOOK JACKET.