Children come into the world completely helpless, and require well-functioning families and schools to meet their needs, protect their interests and nurture their potential. This book argues that healthy child-development depends on values, ideas and structures that promote justice for children and families; in particular, checks and balances that favour:   Fairness: allowing fair distribution of resources, so that every child and family have the best possible chance to reach their potential.   Protection: resources for families, neighbourhoods and schools to help protect and encourage their children, alongside the means to intervene, should this protection fail.   Autonomy: encouraging children s voice and participation in decision-making at a level commensurate with their maturity.