Abstract
Reforms within Social Services and the Education sector have been driven strongly by New Labour Government over the last decade to combat social exclusion. A brief overview of policy and legislative initiatives within the two sectors is presented. The impact of these initiatives when implemented in everyday life is reviewed (1) in the form of a ‘story’ of a typical day in a social worker’s life, based on 17 interviews with social workers, and (2) 11 interviews with teachers from two schools located in low income and high crime communities. Five of these interviews are presented as a scene of ‘live’ dialogue amongst the teachers. Interviews with 45 children at high risk of social exclusion are analysed to explore and highlight the problems of growing up in deprived neighbourhoods with high crime rates, low income and social mobility. 22 of these children are currently placed on child protection registers and living with foster carers. The distance among the agents, despite commonality of purpose, is empirically identified. Children in need remain neglected in the process.