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.