Nigel Patrick Thomas is Professor Emeritus of Childhood and Youth at the University of Central Lancashire. He was a social worker and team leader for 20 years before becoming an academic. He led the establishment of the first all-Wales Postqualifying Child Care Award.Karen Winter is Professor of Children’s Social Care at Queen's University Belfast. Prior to her academic career, Karen worked for 16 years as a social worker and team manager with children and families, and latterly as a guardian, representing children in court proceedings.

• 1.Introduction: themes and key principles. 2.The needs of children and young people who come into care. 3.Listening to children and young people. 4.Caring for young people from different backgrounds. 5.Law, policy and practice in looking after young people. 6.Assessment and planning. 7.Placement and contact. 8.Residential and foster care. 9.Adoption and working for permanence. 10.Leaving care and aftercare. 11.Conclusion: contemporary issues.

Nigel Patrick Thomas is Professor Emeritus of Childhood and Youth at the University of Central Lancashire. He was a social worker and team leader for 20 years before becoming an academic. He led the establishment of the first all-Wales Postqualifying Child Care Award.Karen Winter is Professor of Children’s Social Care at Queen's University Belfast. Prior to her academic career, Karen worked for 16 years as a social worker and team manager with children and families, and latterly as a guardian, representing children in court proceedings.

• 1.Introduction: themes and key principles. 2.The needs of children and young people who come into care. 3.Listening to children and young people. 4.Caring for young people from different backgrounds. 5.Law, policy and practice in looking after young people. 6.Assessment and planning. 7.Placement and contact. 8.Residential and foster care. 9.Adoption and working for permanence. 10.Leaving care and aftercare. 11.Conclusion: contemporary issues.