Dr. Cindy Christian reprises her highly acclaimed 2015 David L. Chadwick Endowed Lecture on A Fine Balance, first delivered at the San Diego International Conference on Child Maltreatment. In this important presentation, Dr. Christian discusses the balances required in thinking about child welfare work: nurture vs. nature, children’s rights vs. parents’ rights, truth and lies, and rules and exceptions. The work of child protection requires constant consideration of alternatives, and balancing these options is vital for the well-being of children.