Preventing breakdown is a 'how - to' book - how you as a front line worker, manager or policy maker can create an environment where families can exploit their potential to develop and protect their children. It guides workers into building on the family's strengths and self efficacy, developing family pride, a focus on solutions and a determination to succeed. Before taking that most damaging step of taking children away from their families, it is essential to demonstrate that there really is no other option. This Option 2 intervention model won the Community Care Award for Child Protection in 2001. The tools and concepts are deeply practical, providing clear professional input and measurable outcomes. Workers using them will feel valued as professionals, confident in difficult situations, and they will make more accurate assessments. Rhoda Emlyn-Jones, Service Manager for Option 2 at Cardiff, writes in her foreword: It is with great pleasure and some awe that I commend Mark's excellent work...to bring this successful approach to a much wider audience.