This volume assesses the state of provision for looked after children in both the residential and foster care sectors. It comes at a time when these sectors, in both England and Wales, are going through a period of significant change and there is continued concern for the quality of state child care services. The book includes a comprehensive review of the history of child care including a close analysis of the impact of the Children Act 1989 and discusses concerns for the child care system. It addresses a number of specific issues, including: admission and placement into care; developments in fostering in practice; education of looked after children; leaving care; and training, support and service quality. The book describes approaches for involving young people in decision-making and incorporates the viewpoints of individuals involved in the system, ranging from care and social services managers to foster carers, their children, looked after children and care leavers. The authors conclude by considering how well the state looks after children, highlighting key problems within the system and possible solutions - looking in particular at the governemnt's Quality Problems initiative and reviewing the policy reform agenda.