More children in Western society suffer from the effects of poverty than from cancer, kidney disease, or any other major illness. In A Different Kind of Care Dr Gilles Julien proposes a framework within which we can understand and treat such children. Advocating a social pediatric approach, he argues that both his profession and society as a whole need to set aside traditional roles and practices and focus on the needs of the child.

Social pediatrics complements the traditional practice of pediatrics by creating a network within the community that acts to empower children and their families. By enlisting the aid not only of doctors and nurses but teachers, lawyers, social workers, psychologists, politicians, family, friends, and neighbours, the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of children can be met, assuring every child of a loving and stimulating environment, quality education, and the opportunity for growth and development. The first part of A Different Kind of Care describes the principles and concepts of the social pediatrics approach. The second part tells the stories of children living in appalling conditions who suffer from various forms of trauma and rejection. The book also includes a number of case studies that demonstrate the need for and effectiveness of the theory. Julien shows that such children, if given a chance, can not only become healthy but find new meaning in life.