Despite entering a new century, attitudes and actions towards children are increasingly contradictory and complex. On the one hand, increasing attention is paid to children's rights, children's participation and children's agency; on the other, children face increasing surveillance, regulation and normalisation. The government is investing increasing importance and resources in providing for children (from childcare to schools, from social work to financial benefits); but much of this investment addresses an agenda of adulthood - to meet the needs of today's adults and to meet the needs for a future competitive workforce. This book explores these apparent contradictions and complexities through a critique of the concept of 'children's services'. In focuses on the contentious theme of the debate between those who believe childhood is a stage in its own right and those who think we should start to train children from an early age to prepare them for the workforce. Written by a key, and well-respected researcher in the field, this book highlights the issues involved in a fascinating and accessible way.