First published in 1999, this book focuses on the process of failure, when necessary with DipSW students on assessed placements. It addresses some of the difficulties and dilemmas which can occur when working with students who fail. It is written for practice teachers and their mentors and it attempts to redress the scant attention paid to this topic in practice teaching trailing. This book makes suggestions as to some ways forward on situations presented in placements where students fail. It provides activities and exercises for use with practice teachers and placement colleagues involved in managing the process.