For many vulnerable children, the idea of communicating with an adult about their experiences and feelings can be a daunting prospect. This book demonstrates how introducing play while working with neglected or abused children helps build a relationship of trust by openly engaging in the child's world. The practical activities and resources provided have been developed over 20 years of working with vulnerable children and have been proven to help reduce feelings of anxiety and facilitate open communication between adult and child. Their simple, accessible style makes them easy to follow and ideal for reference in daily practice. With many tried and tested tips, this book is essential reading for all those working with vulnerable children, including social workers, child protection workers, therapists, teachers, and police investigators, who are looking for effective ways to engage with them.