«This is a rigorously constructed appraisal capturing the global diversity of ways of theorising, researching, delivering and evaluating residential care for children and youth. The 49 contributors from 16 countries illustrate through rich data sources, exemplars and critical analyses how the emotional, health, educational and cultural needs of vulnerable children and youth can be supported through well designed residential care. A detailed matrix embedded in each of the country specific chapters offers an accessible and thorough summary of data trends, policy initiatives, program models, quality standards and research advances to enhance the potential for cross national comparisons and future program innovations. A progressive blueprint and landmark contribution, this volume is essential reading for clinicians, managers, researchers, educators and students.»

Professor Elizabeth Fernandez, School of Social Sciences, UNSW Sydney Australia

«This book offers concise summaries and incisive analysis by distinguished scholars of residential care policies and practices in 16 developed countries... Collectively, these scholars provide a much needed opportunity to reflect on similarities and differences in countries' use of residential care and to reevaluate the potential for improving a type of care no country has been able to eliminate for the out- of- home placement of severely behaviorally troubled youth...This book identifies promising practices and practice models and articulates aspirations for program improvements that transcend national boundaries.»

Dee Wilson , author of Sounding Board commentaries., USA

«This book is an important addition to the literature on residential care for children and youth and is to be commended for its rigorous approach and its breadth and scope.»

Andrew Kendrick, Professor Emeritus, University of Strathclyde

«The expertise gathered in these pages successfully navigates best practices in therapeutic residential interventions while continuing to emphasize the critical role of research.»

Kari Sisson, Director, Association of Children's Residential Centers( ACRC), USA

«Analysing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of residential care policies and practices in different countries and socio-cultural contexts has proven to be an elusive goal. Without a careful analysis of the characteristics of each child social protection system, this task would be extremely difficult to achieve. This highly anticipated and much needed book is a serious step forward to fill this gap and, because of its very broad international perspective, it provides a good basis for continuing the assessment task. Promising practice models cannot be evaluated without understanding their macro-context - and without this understanding, their benefits cannot be adapted to other contexts. This publication -addresses this extremely complex challenge. It is highly recommended for researchers, practitioners and policy makers. We are no more alone inside each country in our attempts to improve out-of-home care.»

Ferran Casas, Emeritus Professor. University of Girona. Spain

«This book provides the reader with valuable, wide-ranging international evidence concerning the innovative ways that residential care can be developed to meet children's needs and the issues that need to be faced before change can be effected.»

Harriet Ward, CBE, Emeritus Professor of Child and Family Research, Loughborough University and Hono