The paper presents key aspects of attachment theory and its application in social work, particularly with children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or have been placed in foster care or institutional care. It begins with a review of attachment theory, which is based on the belief that the emotional bond between a child and a caregiver plays a crucial role in the child's development. It highlights how disruptions in attachment, such as separation from parents, can have negative effects on a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. Special attention is given to the role of the father in attachment development, internal working models and the various types of attachment. The paper also explores the intergenerational transmission of violence and its connection to attachment theory, emphasizing how experiences of violence and neglect in childhood can influence parenting behaviours. The application of attachment theory in social work with children involves assessment, planning interventions, treatment, and providing support to parents, with a specific focus on trauma-informed care. Additionally, the paper includes an analysis of how attachment theory is applied in working with children in public care systems.