Children have a much higher chance of permanently leaving care if
they have strong and positive family and peer group relationships.
Reflecting current political and policy priorities, Residential Child
Care focuses on new developments designed to promote these family and
network relationships. The book examines both care policies and
individual schemes which involve families and other network members in
the planning and care of children looked after in residential units or
children’s homes. The book provides guidelines on how to broaden the
focus of residential care from staff – children relationships within the
institution to more diffuse social networks of family and peers and
outlines the principles which underpin the new emphasis on external
social contacts.
Including examples of innovatory ideas and good
practice from abroad, Residential Child Care shows why encouraging
families to maintain an active role in the welfare of their children in
care is important. The book explores the implications for child welfare
systems as well as individual establishments, managers and practitioners
